Our book club reconvenes to discuss the “Shades of Magic” series by V.E. Schwab, as well as the start of a second trilogy, “The Fragile Threads of Power.” Before the spoilers begin, we’ll explain the parallel fantasy world structure and explain why it’s such a great series. Then we’ll discuss the newest book in the series. Plus: What are we reading? "The Fragile Threads of Power" Jason Snell with Scott McNulty, Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms and Heather Berberet Referenced Works The Fragile Threads o...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 711
Just when we thought we were out, they pulled us back in! Long after we recorded our first episodes about “The Godfather,” our panelists get back together to talk about the late-sequel “The Godfather Part III,” or is it “The Godfather Coda: The Death of Michael Corleone” now? Only Francis knows for sure. "The Godfather III/Coda" Jason Snell with John Siracusa, John Gruber, Chip Sudderth and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works The Godfather Part III (Coda) Show Notes & Links Support this show an...
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 59 min•Ep. 710
Get on your sandworm and head south! It’s time to discuss “Dune Part 2,” a sequel with more sand, more Fremen, and more time spent at the super weird planet of the villainous Harkonnen family. Is Paul the hero, or… something else? Dust off the family atomics and join us, won’t you? "Dune Part 2" Jason Snell with Jean MacDonald, Kelly Guimont, Guy English and Brian Warren Referenced Works Dune Part 2 Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by b...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 709
It’s the first-ever Reboot a Bad Movie draft! In which our stalwart panelists grab an intellectual-property loser off the shelf, dust it off, and re-envision it in a new way that could maybe, possibly be a hit with modern audiences. Moisés Chiullán with Lisa Schmeiser, David J. Loehr, Cicero Holmes and Monty Ashley Show Notes & Links Cicero : Madame Web! A New Jukebox Musical Monty : On Stranger Tides Minus Pirates of the Caribbean David : Doc Savage: Man of Bronze Lisa : The Eternals 11 Moi...
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 708
Nobody is more surprised than Antony Johnston to find he’s now a cozy crime author. Dan Moren sniffs out the secrets of his “Dog Sitter Detective” series. Dan Moren with Antony Johnston Referenced Works The Dog Sitter Detective Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podcasts, bonus episodes, and more....
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 707
We conclude our movie-by-movie review of the “Back to the Future” series with the western-themed third installment, which features less time travel shenanigans and more old-west shenanigans. "Back to the Future Part III" Jason Snell with Lex Friedman, John Siracusa, Brian Warren, Monty Ashley and Moisés Chiullán Sponsors Porkbun : Get $1 off your next domain name with the code THEINCOMPARABLE24. Referenced Works Back to the Future Part III Back to the Future (series) [ Amazon ] Show Notes & ...
Mar 08, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 706
It’s time again. Time! To go forward in time, then backward—or is it sideways?—in time, then further back in time, and then maybe even further back in time. It’s time for the bland future of 2015, the apocalyptic alt-present of 1985, and a familiar 1955. But most of all, it’s time for a Crisis on Infinite Biffs. It’s “Back to the Future Part II.” "Back to the Future Part II" Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Dan Moren, Brian Warren and Shelly Brisbin Referenced Works Back to the Future Part II Bac...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 705
Great Scott! No time to be a slacker, McFly, because we’ve gotta go back in time to 1985 so we can go back to 1955 so we can perfectly time a lightning strike. That’s right, it’s time to talk about “Back to the Future.” "Back to the Future" Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, John Siracusa, Shelly Brisbin, Chip Sudderth and Lex Friedman Sponsors Porkbun : Get $1 off your next domain name with the code THEINCOMPARABLE24. Referenced Works Back to the Future Back to the Future (series) [ Amazon ] Show No...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 47 min•Ep. 704
Jason’s favorite movie of 2023 was the gray flipside to “Barbie,” Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer.” And while none of us would exactly call ourselves Nolan fans, this one manages to grapple with a deep subject with great care. It’s got some spectacular scenes that will blow your mind—and a whole lot more scene of men in suits and hats standing around talking. "Oppenheimer" Jason Snell with Shelly Brisbin, Kathy Campbell and Cicero Holmes Referenced Works Oppenheimer Show Notes & Links Suppo...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 703
Two nations, two sitcoms, one premise: What if one of us could see ghosts? Infusing genre complications into the world of TV situation comedies, “Ghosts” has become a hit in both the UK and the U.S.! We recommend both, compare the different versions, and try to explain why the whole idea works so well. "Ghosts" Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Heather Berberet, Cicero Holmes and Erika Ensign Sponsors Porkbun : Get $1 off your next domain name with the code THEINCOMPARABLE24. Referenced Works G...
Feb 09, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 702
KNEW THIS WAS ONE WAY TICKET BUT YOU KNOW I HAD TO COME At long last, it’s the episode Jason has waited 13 years to schedule. Up from the depths of the ocean comes a long-awaited 4K transfer! It’s time for all of you to join us in watching one of the great (and underrated) adventure films of all time, and perhaps James Cameron’s best film: “The Abyss.” We watched the Special Edition of the film, and discuss the ways in which it’s superior to the original cut, and the ways it isn’t. "The Abyss" (...
Feb 02, 2024•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 701
We reconvene Miyazaki Club to discuss the master animator’s latest final movie, “The Boy and the Heron.” We went in wondering, will this be lyrical and nostalgic magical realism, or will it be a barrage of super-weird fantastical imagery? The voluminous bird poop and the suit of frogs point the way. "The Boy and the Heron" Jason Snell with John Siracusa, Steve Lutz and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works Hayao Miyazaki The Boy and the Heron Studio Ghibli Show Notes & Links Support this show and...
Jan 26, 2024•1 hr 50 min•Ep. 700
In 2023’s “Godzilla Minus One,” the classic monster doesn’t just represent nuclear disaster, but crushing guilt on personal and societal levels. What if someone built a deeply emotional human drama that was also a movie where Godzilla destroys a whole lot of stuff? We’ve got the answer! "Godzilla Minus One" Jason Snell with Monty Ashley and Moisés Chiullán Referenced Works Godzilla Minus One Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming ...
Jan 19, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 699
Crack open your psychohistory textbooks and ready a new batch of imperial clones, because it’s time to discuss the Apple TV+ series “Foundation,” extremely loosely based on the classic works of Isaac Asimov. Before the spoiler horn, we talk about why this is a show worth catching up on—and also debate the merits of psychohistory. Then we discuss the first two seasons, which we really enjoyed. "Foundation" TV series Jason Snell with Dan Moren, Glenn Fleishman, Heather Berberet and John Siracusa R...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 698
Happy new year! Some of our most prolific panelists pick some of their favorite media of the year gone by, and a few listeners send in some favorite clips from The Incomparable in this past year. Onward to 2024! Best of 2023 Jason Snell with Moisés Chiullán, Chip Sudderth, Monty Ashley, Dan Moren, Shelly Brisbin, Annette Wierstra and David J. Loehr Show Notes & Links Moises : The Repair Shop (BBC), “ Godzilla Minus One ”, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Chip : New York theater ( A Strange Loop , Fa...
Dec 29, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 697
It’s Kilmas 2023, in which we continue our annual celebration of the films of Val Kilmer. This year’s selection is “Kiss Kiss Bang Bang,” written and directed by Shane Black. It’s a film noir-ish story that wants to have everything both ways. Val Kilmer’s the best thing in it, of course. The rest of the film feels unstuck in time. Kilmas: "Kiss Kiss Bang Bang" Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Tiff Arment and Dan Moren Referenced Works Kiss Kiss Bang Bang Val Kilmer Show Notes & Links Suppo...
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr•Ep. 696
In the spirit of coming downstairs and finding presents waiting under the tree, we offer the Incomparable Toy Draft. It’s not just a story about our favorite childhood toys—it’s also a story about the toys we desperately wanted and never got. Toy Draft Jason Snell with Shelly Brisbin, Lisa Schmeiser, Kelly Guimont, Moisés Chiullán, David J. Loehr, Chip Sudderth, Monty Ashley, Philip Michaels and Annette Wierstra Show Notes & Links Shelly : Easy Bake Oven Lisa : Playskool Bristle Blocks Kelly...
Dec 15, 2023•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 695
50 years later, “Soylent Green” is still made of people—and its futuristic setting of 2022 is shockingly relevant! But having given this film a full viewing, we think it’s also a pretty good example of ’70s eco sci-fi with a little noir detective flavoring. (Not that kind of flavoring.) "Soylent Green" Jason Snell with Jean MacDonald, Monty Ashley, Annette Wierstra, Dr. Drang and Philip Michaels Sponsors Wildgrain : Get FREE croissants in every box and $30 off your first box. Referenced Works So...
Dec 08, 2023•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 694
Almost 100 episodes later, we reconvene (most of) our original panel to discuss season two of “The Wheel of Time.” How does it fit into the current set of big fantasy TV shows? Team Didn’t-Read-the-Books seems to be in agreement with Lady Dragonmount that it helps when a fantasy saga’s book series is complete before it’s adapted for the screen. "The Wheel of Time" season 2 Moisés Chiullán with Kathy Campbell and John Siracusa Referenced Works The Wheel of Time Show Notes & Links Support this...
Dec 01, 2023•1 hr 55 min•Ep. 693
We don’t care what the box office says! We saw “The Marvels” and thought it was a lot of fun. And we worry that Marvel may take the wrong lessons from its box-office failure. "The Marvels" Jason Snell with Chip Sudderth, Shannon Sudderth, Sarah Hendrica Bickerton, James Thomson and Kelly Guimont Referenced Works The Marvels Marvel Cinematic Universe Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to podc...
Nov 24, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 692
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! For the holiday, we give you a turkey of a movie about a duck. It’s 1986’s “Howard the Duck.” (No way to conceal it.) "Howard the Duck" Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Erika Ensign, Moisés Chiullán, Monty Ashley, Steve Lutz and David J. Loehr Sponsors Wildgrain : Get FREE croissants in every box and $30 off your first box. Referenced Works Howard the Duck Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a me...
Nov 17, 2023•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 691
Dan Moren’s new novel ‘All Souls Lost’ is a departure from his previously published work, but not as much as you might think. Antony talks to him about the book, how it came to be, and why it was a long time in the making. Dan Moren's "All Souls Lost" Antony Johnston and Dan Moren Referenced Works All Souls Lost [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] Author Interviews Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to pod...
Nov 10, 2023•58 min•Ep. 690
We have some suggestions for the next round of “Star Trek” TV series. "Star Trek" pitch draft Jason Snell with Monty Ashley, Moisés Chiullán, Joe Rosensteel, David J. Loehr and Heather Berberet Referenced Works Star Trek (franchise) Show Notes & Links Monty - Star Trek: Alternate Universe (R-Rated) Moises - Star Trek: Sector 001 Joe - Lower Decks live-action follow-on (Jason’s: Beta Shift) David - Star Trek: Borderlands Heather - Lives of a Trill Jason - Starfleet Medical Monty - Star Trek: ...
Nov 03, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 689
A mother seeks help for her troubled daughter from a medical profession that’s unable to find an answer it can believe. A priest questions his faith, until he gets projectile vomited in the face by a 12-year-old girl with her head spinning around. It’s a horror classic. We celebrate the 50th anniversary of “The Exorcist”! "The Exorcist" (1973) Jason Snell with Steve Lutz, Tiff Arment, Brian Hamilton, Moisés Chiullán and Dr. Drang Referenced Works The Exorcist (1973) Show Notes & Links Suppor...
Oct 27, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 666
Grab some kindling and prepare to board up a window! Old Movie Club gets in the spirit of the spooky season with the 1969 movie that started it all—and by “all” we mean what we now think of as zombies—“Night of the Living Dead.” For a low-budget movie that features mostly amateur actors and fell out of copyright, it’s a certifiable classic. We’re certifying it right now. If you don’t like it, go back down to the basement, because we’re the boss of the upstairs. "Night of the Living Dead" Jason S...
Oct 20, 2023•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 688
The Book Club closes the door on this year’s awards shortlist with some lively book ranking and a tour of the nominated short fiction . Awards novel wrap and Hugo short fiction! Jason Snell with Aleen Simms, Erika Ensign, Scott McNulty and Heather Berberet Referenced Works Legends & Lattes [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] Spear [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] Babel [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] Mountain in the Sea [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] Nettle & Bone [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] The Spare Man [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] The Daughter of...
Oct 13, 2023•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 687
You will believe a man can fly… a seaplane! We take on the curious 2006 film “Superman Returns,” which is a sequel (sort of) to “Superman” and “Superman II” but most definitely not other movies. There’s a new cast and a new boyfriend for Lois, but Lex Luthor’s still obsessed with real estate. Also, this may be the last movie to feature a fax being sent from a yacht as a key plot point. "Superman Returns" Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Shelly Brisbin, Cicero Holmes, Moisés Chiullán and David J. L...
Oct 06, 2023•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 686
You will believe a man can fly again! Super September continues with a discussion of “Superman II,” a troubled production that shows all the signs of being a superhero classic… but falls short of the mark more often than we expected. "Superman II" Jason Snell with Shelly Brisbin, Erika Ensign and David J. Loehr Referenced Works Superman II [ Amazon ] Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early access to pod...
Sep 29, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 685
We entered our viewing of 1978’s “Superman” with nostalgia and a sense of childlike wonder. We exited questioning everything about our fond memories of childhood. "Superman" (1978) Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Shelly Brisbin, Steve Lutz and Chip Sudderth Sponsors Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Referenced Works Superman (1978) Show Notes & Links Support this show and other shows like it on The Incomparable network by becoming a member . Members get early acces...
Sep 22, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 684
Our Book Club concludes its reading of the Hugo and Nebula shortlist novels with “The Daughter of Doctor Moreau” by Silvia Moreno-Garcia and “The Spare Man” by Mary Robinette Kowal. One’s an homage to H.G. Wells (sort of?) and the other plays like “The Thin Man” in space. Plus: We debate the meaning of star-rating systems, and what else are we reading? Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Aleen Simms and Scott McNulty Referenced Works The Spare Man [ Amazon ] [ Apple ] The Daughter of Doctor Moreau [ ...
Sep 15, 2023•53 min•Ep. 683
