Purely Academic with Jonathan Lack & Sean Chapman - podcast cover

Purely Academic with Jonathan Lack & Sean Chapman

Jonathan R. Lack & Sean Chapmanweeklystuffpodcast.com
Critics and teachers Jonathan R. Lack and Sean Chapman host this monthly variety series where we talk about our favorite video games, movies, anime, and much more, having fun and maybe even learning something along the way. From the creators of The Weekly Stuff Podcast and Japanimation Station. Visit https://www.jonathanlack.com for more!
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Episodes

The Weekly Stuff #053 - Microsoft’s Xbox One 180 Announcement

We break down Microsoft's stunning, surprising announcement that they are doubling back on nearly every online or DRM-related policy they have announced for the Xbox One, their next-generation gaming console, over the past few weeks. Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful world of anime: https://japanimationstation.com Read Jonathan’s book 200 ...

Jun 21, 20131 hr 10 minEp. 115

The Weekly Stuff #052 - Reviewing Man of Steel

We discuss the new Superman film, "Man of Steel." And by discuss, we mean Sean rants about why he hates it, while Jonathan mostly stays quiet and lets him vent (you can visit We Got This Covered for Jonathan's full, positive written thoughts on the film). We also touch on some developments in the world of superhero films, discuss the possibilities for a Justice League movie after "Man of Steel," and briefly talk the new video game sensation "The Last of Us." Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews an...

Jun 19, 20131 hr 50 minEp. 114

The Weekly Stuff #051 - E3 2013 Analysis Spectacular!

It is an absolutely insane week for video games, as the Electronic Entertainment Expo – better known as E3 – is well underway. Having already heard from Microsoft, Ubisoft, EA, Sony, and Nintendo, there is a lot of news to cover, including pricing and release windows for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4, tons of newly announced games and additional information on known quantities, and more. We tackle all this news and more, along with our analysis of where Microsoft, Sony, and their respective nex...

Jun 11, 20133 hr 1 minEp. 113

The Weekly Stuff #050 - Discussing Matt Smith’s Doctor Who Departure

We discuss Matt Smith's recent announcement that he is leaving Doctor Who at the end of the year. How it will affect the show moving forward? What are our theories about the incoming Twelfth Doctor era? All this and more is discussed. Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful world of anime: https://japanimationstation.com Read Jonathan’s book 200...

Jun 03, 20131 hr 6 minEp. 112

The Weekly Stuff #049 - Analyzing Microsoft’s Xbox One Reveal

We take a look at Microsoft's somewhat disastrous reveal of the horrendously named 'Xbox One.' Where Sony focused on games and gamers with their PS4 reveal earlier this year, Microsoft seems to be abandoning their core demo - at the expense of live TV? There is a lot of confusing information and outright misinformation to sift through, and we have it all covered for you in this special, in-depth podcast. Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at http...

May 23, 20132 hr 48 minEp. 111

The Weekly Stuff #048 - Reviewing Star Trek Into Darkness

We discuss and review J.J. Abrams' " Star Trek Into Darkness," the latest sci-fi blockbuster of 2013. From mysterious villains to new versions of old characters, there is plenty to talk about, and we cover it all. Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful world of anime: https://japanimationstation.com Read Jonathan’s book 200 Reviews in Paperback...

May 22, 20131 hr 18 minEp. 110

The Weekly Stuff #047 - Doctor Who Series 7 Finale Spectacular!

With the seventh series of the BBC’s Doctor Who having finished this weekend, we thought it would be proper to devote an entire episode towards not only the series finale, but this very strange, extremely fragmented season as a whole. First, we give our in depth thoughts on the big finale episode, “The Name of the Doctor,” before diving into a discussion of the season overall, giving brief retrospective opinions of each episode and exploring where this series stands in the Doctor Who pantheon. R...

May 19, 20132 hr 26 minEp. 109

The Weekly Stuff #046 - Wrath of Khan Retrospective & Doctor Who S7E12

We prepare for the horribly titled "Star Trek Into Darkness" by watching the first - and best - Star Trek sequel, "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." What is it that makes this seminal masterpiece of the Star Trek universe so successful? Why is it such a high benchmark other Trek films have had difficulty living up to? We cover all this and more, along with Sean's take on "Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon," and our review of the latest Doctor Who episode, "Nightmare in Silver." Read Jonathan Lack’s movie ...

May 13, 20132 hr 22 minEp. 108

The Weekly Stuff #045 - Reviewing Iron Man 3 & Doctor Who S7E11

We dive deep into the world of Marvel's "Iron Man 3," reviewing, analyzing, and debating the first major film of the summer. It's a good one, too, leaving us with lots and lots to talk about before we transition into our weekly "Doctor Who" segment and review the latest episode, "The Crimson Horror." Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful world...

May 06, 20132 hr 29 minEp. 107

The Weekly Stuff #044 - Summer Movie Preview & Doctor Who S7E10

We give our thoughts on our most anticipated upcoming summer movies - including "Iron Man 3," "Man of Steel," "Star Trek Into Darkness," "Fast & Furious 6," and more - in addition to covering some recent gaming developments and reviewing the latest episode of Doctor Who, "Journey to the Centre of the TARDIS." Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wo...

Apr 29, 20132 hr 38 minEp. 106

The Weekly Stuff #043 - Star Wars News, Halo 4 Multiplayer, and Doctor Who S7E9

The calm before the upcoming storm that is the summer movie season is still in effect, making for another podcast episode where we talk about many different subjects, which is always one of our favorite ways to record. Sean continues to relate his experiences playing through the Uncharted series, we review and recap three of the biggest movie trailers from the past week – including the absolutely phenomenal trailer for Man of Steel – and we go over the inexplicable announcement that Disney will ...

Apr 22, 20132 hr 26 minEp. 105

The Weekly Stuff #042 - Reviewing Evil Dead & Doctor Who S7E8

We tackle a few small topics, including the latest Xbox 720 rumors, before diving in to one of our patented in-depth discussions on Fede Alvarez's excellent remake of "Evil Dead." After talking gore, gore, and more gore, we move on to our weekly "Doctor Who" segment, in which we review this week's episode, "Cold War." Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide a...

Apr 15, 20132 hr 7 minEp. 104

The Weekly Stuff #041 - Reviewing Bioshock Infinite & Doctor Who S7E7

We go in-depth with our lengthy review and discussion of Bioshock Infinite, the undisputed game of the year so far. After that, we check in with the latest episode of Doctor Who, "The Rings of Akhaten." Spoilers for both! Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful world of anime: https://japanimationstation.com Read Jonathan’s book 200 Reviews in P...

Apr 09, 20133 hr 21 minEp. 103

The Weekly Stuff #040 - Doctor Who Mid-Season Premiere Review (S7E6)

We are back from a spring break vacation with lots and lots to talk about, in particular the mid-season premiere of Doctor Who, “The Bells of Saint John.” But before that, we tackle a variety of topics, including the launch of Bioshock Infinite (which we will be reviewing in-depth next week), my entirely uneventful trip to Portland, Oregon, the recent release of some good movies (G.I. Joe: Retaliation and Spring Breakers), and stories of a trip to the new Alamo Drafthouse theatre in Littleton, C...

Apr 01, 20131 hr 44 minEp. 102

The Weekly Stuff #039 - Our Top 10 Favorite TV Shows! Part 2

In the second installment of a special 2-part episode, hosts Jonathan Lack and Sean Chapman countdown their top 10 favorite TV Shows of all time, including classics such as "Doctor Who," "Dragon Ball Z," "The X-Files," "Mad Men," and more! Part 2 concludes our countdown with our picks for #5 through #1. Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful wo...

Mar 25, 20132 hr 30 minEp. 101

The Weekly Stuff #038 - Our Top 10 Favorite TV Shows! Part 1

In the first part of a special 2-part episode, hosts Jonathan Lack and Sean Chapman countdown their top 10 favorite TV Shows of all time, including classics such as "Doctor Who," "Star Trek," "Firefly," and more! Part 1 includes our picks for #10 through #6, while next week's conclusion will finish the list with #5 through #1. Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about t...

Mar 18, 20131 hr 56 minEp. 100

The Weekly Stuff #037 - Fade to Lack & Amazing Spider-Man 2 Theories

We play catch-up with a TON of interesting news and rumors. First, though, Jonathan Lack discusses his new book, Fade to Lack - available now from Amazon.Com - and offers an interview with illustrator Shannon Wheeler. We then move on to discuss the Sim City launch fiasco (to put it lightly), catch-up with the (bad) movies of 2013, offer thoughts on the recent Iron Man 3 and Star Trek Into Darkness trailers, recap Star Wars casting news, discuss a silly Justice League rumor, and for our main topi...

Mar 11, 20132 hr 54 minEp. 98

The Weekly Stuff #036 - Persona 4 Golden Review Spectacular! Part 2

On this special 2-part episode, hosts Jonathan R. Lack and Sean Chapman review, discuss, analyze, and examine in excruciating detail one of their favorite games of all time, "Persona 4" - in particular, the recent enhanced remake for the PS Vita, "Persona 4: The Golden." We have been waiting to do this episode for a very long time, and are extremely excited to share it with you! Part 2 finishes our thoughts on all the characters before diving into a discussion of the game mechanics and music. Re...

Mar 04, 20132 hr 22 minEp. 99

The Weekly Stuff #035 - Persona 4 Golden Review Spectacular! Part 1

On this special 2-part episode, hosts Jonathan R. Lack and Sean Chapman review, discuss, analyze, and examine in excruciating detail one of their favorite games of all time, "Persona 4" - in particular, the recent enhanced remake for the PS Vita, "Persona 4: The Golden." We have been waiting to do this episode for a very long time, and are extremely excited to share it with you! Part 1 dives into our general thoughts, plot and story discussion, and all the characters on the central investigation...

Mar 04, 20132 hr 25 minEp. 97

The Weekly Stuff #034 - PlayStation 4 Announcement Analysis

Hosts Jonathan Lack and Sean Chapman analyze, dissect, and discuss Sony's recent announcement of the PlayStation 4. In an exhaustive analysis that covers absolutely everything we know so far, we offer our thoughts on one of the most exciting developments in recent gaming history, as well as our predictions and hopes for what comes next. Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podca...

Feb 25, 20132 hr 44 minEp. 96

The Weekly Stuff #033 - PS4 & Xbox 720 Wants and Predictions

Hosts Jonathan Lack and Sean Chapman discuss their wants and predictions for the new generation of video game consoles, tentatively known as the PlayStation 4 and Xbox 720. Also discussed is Bungie's reveal of their new game "Destiny." Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful world of anime: https://japanimationstation.com Read Jonathan’s book 20...

Feb 18, 20131 hr 21 minEp. 95

The Weekly Stuff #032 - Netflix, House of Cards, and Imaginary Anime Casting

On a very loose episode, we cover a wide swath of topics, some timely and some completely frivolous. First, Jonathan reviews Netflix's new original series, "House of Cards," and examines this new TV format the company is trying out. Next, Sean and Jonathan talk a little bit about the "Final Fantasy" games on PSN, before Sean launches into a long rant on "Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified" on the PS Vita. Finally, for our main topic, we offer a comedic thought-exercise on silly celebrity casti...

Feb 11, 20132 hr 35 minEp. 94

The Weekly Stuff #031 - Reviewing Batman: The Dark Knight Returns

Hosts Jonathan Lack and Sean Chapman review DC Animated Universe's 2-part adaptation of Frank Miller's acclaimed graphic novel, "Batman: The Dark Knight Returns." Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful world of anime: https://japanimationstation.com Read Jonathan’s book 200 Reviews in Paperback or on Kindle – https://a.co/d/bLx53vK Subscribe to...

Feb 04, 20131 hr 12 minEp. 93

The Weekly Stuff #030 - JJ Abrams, Star Wars, and Nintendo Announcements

Hosts Jonathan Lack and Sean Chapman tackle two big news topics from the past week. First, we cover the big spate of Nintendo news announced during the company's latest Nintendo Direct broadcast, and next, we dive deep into our thoughts on the news that J.J. Abrams will be directing "Star Wars Episode VII." Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderfu...

Jan 28, 20131 hr 46 minEp. 92

The Weekly Stuff #029 - Talking PlayStation, Zero Dark Thirty, and more!

Hosts Jonathan Lack and Sean Chapman take it easy and talk about whatever's on their mind, which, in this case, means PlayStation network issues, downloadable video games like "Journey" and "Tokyo Jungle," a horrible shopping experience at Best Buy, and Kathryn Bigelow's "Zero Dark Thirty." There's no particular topic, but this is a fun and lively podcast nevertheless! Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe t...

Jan 20, 20131 hr 22 minEp. 91

The Weekly Stuff #028 - 2013 Year-in-Preview!

Sean Chapman and Jonathan Lack offer a comprehensive preview of the most exciting movies and video games coming out over the next twelve months, including "GTA V," "Man of Steel," and lots more! Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful world of anime: https://japanimationstation.com Read Jonathan’s book 200 Reviews in Paperback or on Kindle – htt...

Jan 14, 20132 hr 22 minEp. 90

The Weekly Stuff #027 - Doctor Who 2012 Christmas Special & HFR Hobbit

Hosts Jonathan Lack and Sean Chapman play catch-up on the last two weeks - including Sean's memorable experiences going to the movie theatre, as well as his opinion on the HFR version of "The Hobbit" - before diving into a full review and analysis of the new Doctor Who Christmas Special, "The Snowmen." Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful wor...

Jan 07, 20131 hr 44 minEp. 89

The Weekly Stuff #026 - 2012 Year-in-Review Spectacular!

Hosts Jonathan Lack and Sean Chapman look back at 2012, offering our picks for the best movies, video games, and TV Shows of a very entertaining year. And Sean babbles about a four-year old JRPG. A lot. Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful world of anime: https://japanimationstation.com Read Jonathan’s book 200 Reviews in Paperback or on Kind...

Dec 24, 20123 hr 28 minEp. 88

The Weekly Stuff #025 - Reviewing The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Hosts Jonathan R. Lack and Sean Chapman review, analyze, and discuss the highly anticipated "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" from director Peter Jackson. We are both very positive on the film, albeit with some minor reservations. Listen to the show to learn more! Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful world of anime: https://japanimationstat...

Dec 17, 20122 hr 23 minEp. 87

The Weekly Stuff #024 - Audio Commentary for the Animated 1977 ‘Hobbit’

Hosts Jonathan Lack and Sean Chapman prepare for the release of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" by recording an audio commentary for the 1977 animated "Hobbit" movie by Rankin Bass! If you haven't seen this camp classic, now is the perfect time! Also discussed are recent film releases and "Far Cry 3." Read Jonathan Lack’s movie reviews and stay up to date with all our podcast projects at https://www.jonathanlack.com Subscribe to JAPANIMATION STATION, our podcast about the wide and wonderful ...

Dec 10, 20121 hr 35 minEp. 86
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