We're joined this week by Super Deluxe Gamescast cohost Justin Drew, aka Roboplato, to talk about one of the most highly regarded Godzilla films of all time: Mothra vs Godzilla (not to be confused with Godzilla vs Mothra, a completely different movie made 30 years later). The themes and comedic, family-friendly tone of the original Mothra film blend with Godzilla's larger-scale destruction and monster smackdowns to finally find the sweet spot that would define Godzilla for decades to come. Socia...
Feb 23, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 11
When an undersea kingdom threatens global domination, Japan must take a superweapon designed to revive the Japanese Empire and use it instead to protect the world. Enter the Gotengo, a flying undersea warship with a big honkin' drill and more gizmos than the Mach Five. This machine kills fascists. Like... a lot of them. And sends a sea dragon packing in the process. Join us as we discuss a scifi adventure romp that goes beyond anti-nationalism and kicks subtlety to the curb. Social Media Links T...
Feb 16, 2022•54 min•Season 1Ep. 10
It's time for a high point of the season with the classic horror film Matango. A slow, tense survival movie with elements of body horror, this film is loaded with political messaging. Fans of The Last Of Us may feel at home with the cordyceps-like fungus overtaking the cast in this movie. Sure, the people are turning into mushroom monsters... but you could argue most of them were monsters well before they landed on the island. Am I laying it on too heavy? Probably. I'll step it back a bit. Socia...
Feb 09, 2022•52 min•Season 1Ep. 9
We're joined this week by our first of two guests this season, dad and Castle Bravo theme song composer David Van Dyke, to talk about a pivotal moment for the Godzilla franchise in a grudge match that changed a franchise. Grab your berry juice and fried octopus as we dive into King Kong vs Godzilla, the movie that may have actually started it all. "It all" being, like, all the monster fighting movies that came later. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/De...
Jan 12, 2022•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 8
When it comes to the filmography of director Ishiro Honda, it may be best to keep as few expectations as possible, because every so often you get hit with a curveball. Gorath is, as best we can describe it, an absurdist film about nihilism and perseverance in the face of almost certain doom. There's also a giant walrus for about 5 minutes. You will dissociate watching this movie. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/v...
Jan 05, 2022•54 min•Season 1Ep. 7
The Queen of the Monsters arrives! Mothra may mostly be known for being a frequent sidekick/enemy to Godzilla, but starting with her debut film instead of a Godzilla appearance really changes the foundation for her identity. It's an excellent movie, full of both character and social commentary. Shame about the blackface though. If you've ever scoffed at the idea of a giant moth as a movie monster... maybe hold your judgments. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitt...
Dec 15, 2021•51 min•Season 1Ep. 6
There's an interesting story behind the troubled production of Varan the Unbelievable. Unfortunately, that doesn't necessarily translate to a particularly interesting movie to watch. On the other hand, it gives us an excellent opportunity to talk about how things like studio interference, bad American recuts, and salvaging movies in the edit room. Plus, Charlotte learns about a new type of lizard, and that's always nice. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.co...
Dec 08, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Invaders from the stars come for our land and our women in this strange cult classic pulp scifi film from Godzilla director Ishiro Honda. It's an interesting movie to watch, but also one that attempts multiple fronts of social and political commentary. It's a strange and at times messy movie, but one that helps establish a running set of political themes in Honda's filmography. Also, technically not a monster movie! But only technically. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod D...
Dec 01, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Season 1Ep. 4
It's time for the Kentuckiest monster movie ever made. Godzilla's taking a break for a bit, but director Ishiro Honda will stay busy, with Rodan being the first of many non-Godzilla films to eventually become connected to Godzilla himself. It's honestly a better spiritual sequel to the original Godzilla than the actual original Godzilla was. One thing's for sure, neither of us are taking any suitors to the ol' earthquake pit anytime soon. That's not a euphemism. Stay away from earthquake pits. S...
Nov 17, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 3
Godzilla sees a quick turnaround with a new sequel from a different director. It's an attempt at capturing the magic of the first film, but falls short in both execution and message. Interestingly, this is the only movie in our first season of Castle Bravo that comes from a director other than original Godzilla director Ishiro Honda, and we think it unfortunately shows. Still, it's a fun movie in its own way, so grab your nearest Polish paleontologist and strap yourselves in for a weird ride. So...
Nov 10, 2021•35 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Our series begins where the film series begins: the original 1954 Godzilla. We talk about the historical context of the movie's release, explain the origin of our show's name, and tell the story (as best we know it) of director Ishiro Honda. That last part is important, because Honda's works comprise almost the entirety of our first season of Castle Bravo, and also lay the foundation for what would eventually become one of the largest worlds in cinema history. Pun maybe intended. Social Media Li...
Nov 03, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 1
With Season 1 currently in production, it's time for Derek and Charlotte talk the basics of the upcoming series. Call it a teaser, a preview, a trailer, or an explainer, but we call it Episode 0. Social Media Links The Show - twitter.com/CastleBravoPod Derek - twitter.com/DerbyCityDerek Charlotte - twitter.com/viscerocomplex
May 17, 2021•3 min
