Abominable didn't do terribly well at the box office, and we have some theories as to why. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about how good stories do and don't get developed, and enjoy a behind-the-scenes anecdote about CJ and Jordan's first conversation about this movie, before either of them had seen it yet. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com...
Filmspotting, the definitive cinephile podcast, once ran a poll that asked the question: "What is the best comic book movie adaptation of all time?" The options were A) The Dark Knight, and B) Any other movie. This just about sums up the significance of this film, and we could not be more excited to do a deep dive into an inarguably significant entry into the catalogue of great American movies. And if you're looking for some great pre-game conversation about Joker, you could do a lot worse than ...
We need to talk about Rambo. Like, all of it. First we should give Sly credit for helping to launch an impressive number of giant franchises. Back in 1982, First Blood was a gritty, political action thriller with a surprising amount of heart, but it's getting harder to ignore the way a movie like Last Blood feels in 2019. Special thanks to Aaron Woodall for lending his insights and support as we unpacked this swollen American institution. Mormon and the Methhead - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/p...
We know you love to hear us fight, so we brought our knives to this episode. CJ came out swinging with words like "pretentious" and "stop yelling." Jordan mounted a grand defense supported almost entirely by a wildly oversimplified explanation of the movie's primary flaw. But, at the end of the day, we agreed that we both love space movies. And this is a pretty good space movie. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, vi...
We're back with another Christopher Nolan movie. A lot of people jumped on the plot-hole-central bandwagon back when it came out. But we think that may be an oversimplified explanation of what was wrong with this movie, and also an unfair dismissal of all the things that were so great about it. Jump on in, the conversation's fine! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com...
Do you like horror movies? Before you answer that, you should know that CJ didn't think he did until he saw Haunt. We loved this movie, and we think you will, too. That is, if you can stay open minded about disturbing images and inventive slasher gore. If you're still unconvinced, listen to the first part of this episode and see if we can change your mind. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack...
Fight Club made one of the biggest cultural splashes of any movie in the past thirty years. In this episode, we talk about why, and explore whether this late 90s phenomenon holds up under the scrutiny of 2019 sensibilities. Plus, Brad Pitt. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com
We looked forward to this for a long time, and we were not disappointed. OK, maybe IT Chapter Two was a little disappointing, but Scott Beck and Bryan Woods were truly excellent guests -- everything we could have hoped for and more. Not only did we unpack IT Chapter Two in a way that left us all feeling a bit wiser, we also got to geek out about how much we loved Haunt (their new movie out TODAY -- go see it!), and revisit some of the salient themes from A Quiet Place. Man, what a great episode....
As the highest-grossing horror movie of all time, and with a hotly anticipated sequel clown-dancing its way into theaters, this was a movie we knew we had to cover. CJ even managed to watch it AND survive. Listen as your favorite Nerd Critic duo slather appreciation on and uncover a host of surprising profundities in this wildly popular Stephen King adaptation. Also, look forward to Friday, when we'll unpack and dig into the sequel, IT Chapter Two, with "A Quiet Place" writers Bryan Woods and Sc...
If you haven't seen this movie, see if the first part of this episode can't convince you. It's way better and way more fun than anyone had a right to expect. If you HAVE seen it, join us for a conversation about gore as slapstick and the problem of old money. Plus, listen for a pretty sweet announcement. We're excited, and you should be, too. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com...
You may or may not have heard of Blumhouse Productions, but you've heard of Blumhouse Productions' productions. Today, we talk about the unique strategy the company has used to become so successful, and we're also FINALLY talking about one of their most beloved films: Get Out, Jordan Peele's writer-directorial debut and masterwork. And if one of your Nerd Critic hosts starts claiming to have been named after Mr. Peele, please just humor him. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss...
You know what? Sure. It's been a slow summer. But guess what else! We liked this movie. It was fun. It had good action. And while it may not have delivered the kinds of complex moral exploration we've come to expect from this franchise (...*ahem*), it sure did inspire a rich and thoughtful conversation between your favorite Nerd and Critic. Enjoy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com...
Fooled ya! OK here's the story. We WERE going to talk about 300 (in honor of Gerard Butler's somewhat abortive career), but then we came to our senses and pivoted. HARD. Today, we finally, finally talked about one of the movies that has had the greatest impact not only on CJ and Jordan, but on nearly everyone. And we could swear that time slowed down the deeper we dove into this Christopher Nolan classic. Or maybe it sped up? Either way, come enjoy this shared dream with us. This is a public epi...
Regardless of anything, Cate Blanchett is wonderful. Join us in our appreciation. Also, come explore the absence of a question mark in the title of this movie. On Nerd Critic, we always address the most urgent issues and deliver the most meaningful insights. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com...
According to IMDb, The Shawshank Redemption is the best (or at least most popular) movie ever, and that will probably never change. How did that happen? We have some ideas. But also, we have some very positive thoughts about the movie itself. Because, while it might not be the best movie in whole past and future history of movies, it certainly is a damn good one. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.s...
If you don't show up for the IP (seriously, who has even heard of this?), come for the cast. Does this movie portend adaptations of other Vertigo titles? If you didn't understand that last sentence at all, well I guess you'll just have to listen to the episode, won't you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com...
Did you know CJ has seen ALL EIGHT of the Fast and Furious movies MULTIPLE TIMES? Jordan certainly didn’t. But it’s a good thing, because it turns out there’s no one better qualified to nerd out about these movies. Join us for an earnest (if belated) conversation about this singular, cacophonous franchise. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com...
Hobbs and Shaw was perhaps exactly what everyone was expecting. Whether that’s a good or bad thing is in the eye of the (literal) beholder. We were actually amazed at how much there was to talk about. (Plus: some neat announcements!) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com
Featuring actual women! It's taken Nerd Critic a long time to cover Wonder Woman in an Off the Shelf episode, and it's partly because they were waiting for the right guests to come along. Cassidy Davis and Mallory Fuccella did not disappoint, and are, as expected, charming, hilarious, and insightful. You don't want to miss this episode. Support our amazing guests by checking out ADULTING! http://adultingwebseries.com/episodes/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with othe...
If you haven't seen this movie yet -- and the box office numbers suggest that possibility -- you should. In today's episode, CJ and Jordan both discover that Quentin Tarantino's latest film is also their favorite of his. And, as we all know, the Nerd Critic consensus is the only one that really matters. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com...
This week is the BIG WEEK. We haave officially launched Nerd Critic (to the) Max! Listen to the episode to understand the name. All the things you need to know will always be in our weekly newsletter… Get on it ! You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com...
Shownotes: This week is the BIG WEEK. We haave officially launched Nerd Critic (to the) Max! Listen to the episode to understand the name. All the things you need to know will always be in our weekly newsletter… Get on it ! You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com...
Jon Favreau has worn every hat -- he's an accomplished writer, director, and actor, with enough talent for all three that he could have made a career out of any of them, and that's what makes him an outstanding producer. So far, it's as an ongoing producer in the MCU that he's had perhaps the greatest impact, but even bigger things are in store. It should come as no great surprise that we are huge, HUGE fans of Mr. Favreau. With The Lion King right around the corner, we decided this was the perf...
Most of the time we cover BIG movies. Sometimes we cover movies that are embiggened by their quality. And then, sometimes, we do a deep dive into movies like Stuber. Here's the thing: it's better than you'd expect. Not great, but not terrible. And for a buddy comedy, you could do a whole lot worse. PLUS: some surprisingly relevant and well-handled thematic aspirations. Come get Stuber with us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bon...
This is one of the most beloved sub-franchises in the MCU, which is why we couldn't be more excited to get reeeeeaaal salty. Don't worry, no hate, just a lot of strong opinions and some bold and incorrigible griping, underneath of which is that strong foundation of nerd love that keeps us grounded. Shownotes: Hey, about that weekly newsletter… Get on it! You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram . This is a public episode. If ...
You knew we were going to dive deep into the latest Peter Parker adventure. You DIDN'T know we would be featuring our very first Nerd Critic guest! After eight years of writing with the team behind Conan, and now as the associate editor at DC Universe, Dixon Gaines ( @dixontrotter ) might be the funniest nerd and the nerdiest comedian you’ve ever met. If you don't have as much fun listening to him as we did, then you're probably dead inside. Shownotes: Want to follow Dixon Gaines on IG? Here you...
The best drumming movie ever (and there are a surprising number of drumming movies), the best JK Simmons performance ever, the most outrageous and challenging depiction of a teacher/student relationship ever. Forgive our hyperbole, but we LOVE THIS MOVIE. It’s hard to stay calm about it. Shownotes: Are you on the newsletter mailing list yet? No? Get on it! You can also join other Nerds & Critics in lively topical conversations every day on Facebook and Instagram . This is a public episode. I...
<img alt="yes.jpg" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5779626d414fb50acf41a0e5/1562367455456-0ZAS6QBBYNLTPMX1HV84/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kK0oUDCF0Y_jEXGcgd1gAGoUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8N_N4V1vUb5AoIIIbLZhVYxCRW4BPu10St3TBAUQYVKcoysg0c3GfEBZeHbRIQZ16Z8EhcRgev7dSmHUsw0JTZ3KXzbMFA0YEVQ8EKhZkFg-/yes.jpg?format=1000w" /> </a> All my troubles seemed so far away Now it looks as though they're here to stay Oh, I believe in yesterday Maybe you love The Beatles. M...
<img alt="sd.jpg" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5779626d414fb50acf41a0e5/1562367650289-87KYGVNWZNINMAKA00MJ/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kGYkJAScqCCfqCp5EyNti5sUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8N_N4V1vUb5AoIIIbLZhVYxCRW4BPu10St3TBAUQYVKcOzenHGw-QthSekEPxavLmpJWSZVaxAB1oOMZk0b_rHLLxVqAy4ck3BaTapXMSwY5/sd.jpg?format=1000w" /> </a> Is Slumdog Millionaire Danny Boyle’s best film? More importantly, is CJ a damned fascist for not having seen it until LAST WEEKEND? We ad...
<img alt="ts4.jpg" src="https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5779626d414fb50acf41a0e5/1562368115094-LYGDB1SSUCP89ETBBDL7/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kBR_20yJMkgNqcBauJPRgNYUqsxRUqqbr1mOJYKfIPR7LoDQ9mXPOjoJoqy81S2I8N_N4V1vUb5AoIIIbLZhVYy7Mythp_T-mtop-vrsUOmeInPi9iDjx9w8K4ZfjXt2doBI3RWSKCSi1UbdxBrxS_2hOfT9Tq4uB_c3aRZn45BToRwB-dUGsSquCnVTFQcaRg/ts4.jpg?format=1000w" /> </a> What’s better than three talking-toys movies? FOUR TALKING TOYS MOVIES!! The long drought of disappointing movies...
