From 1963 and back to 2019 … Well, sort of. Jake + Mitch dive into the last six episodes of UMBRELLA ACADEMY S2. With Vanya's amnesia colliding with her self-discovery, Diego + Lila's toxic love, The Handler's dastardly deeds, and a slew of surprises, this season held nothing back. So what are the biggest takeaways?: - Could season two be the best of the bunch? - Did Kate Walsh take home the MVP award? - What do we make of Number Five: Perfectly crafted character or too over the top? Tasked with...
Nov 13, 2020•44 min
Do you remember the 5th of November? Jake + Mitch (finally) dive into one of the finest comic book flicks of recent memory, 'V for Vendetta'. Fifteen years later and the film still feels fresh and timely. But even thru all deserved critical acclaim and cult status, there are still a few key facets worth unpacking. - Is 'V for Vendetta' the 'Good Will Hunting' of comic book movies? - Could Natalie Portman be the MVP? - Who does this movie belong to?: The Wachowski Sisters or James McTeigue A bold...
Nov 05, 2020•56 min
The Watching Comics Pod is back with another installment of... IMPOSSIBLE QUESTIONS Attempting to answer daunting questions; or at least re-visiting something we may have underestimated. Quick takes, sharp focus, and endless Twitter-blasting potential. Co-Host Mitch shares his thoughts on an overlooked mid-80s flick and where it ultimately stands in the landscape of comic book cinema: Is ‘Superman IV: The Quest for Peace’ a good movie or bad movie? In a few quick minutes, Mitch shares why simply...
Oct 23, 2020•16 min
Can a movie be underrated and forgettable at the same time? Jake + Mitch take time to re-visit the second installment of the Marc Webb Spider-Man universe with fresh eyes. Because a movie with Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone has to be good right? Well, yes ... and no. There' certainly no shortage of stuff to unpack with this bloated title: - Are Garfield + Stone the best leading duo? - Where does this movie go wrong? - Where do we stand on Foxx's Electro and his reported return? 'The Amazing Spid...
Oct 16, 2020•49 min
What's the best of the Bat? Jake + Mitch close out Batman Month in grand fashion by debating the Top 5 Batflicks of all-time. Because, well, the internet needed another top five list and as far as The Caped Crusader is concerned, there are plenty to choose from. Along the way they posit a few questions: - Does Lego Batman understand the character best? - Which is better 'Batman (89)' or 'Batman Returns'? - What happens if 'The Dark Knight' doesn't take the top spot? With such a daunting task at ...
Oct 06, 2020•51 min
Summer of 2008 was massive and this flick is a big reason why. Jake + Mitch take the long overdue deep-dive into the arena of The Joker, The Caped Crusader, and Christopher Nolan. After all, what would Batman Month be without THE DARK KNIGHT? Along the way the guys hit a few questions: - Did we really need that much Two Face? - Is TDK a comic book movie or a crime film? - Does the movie deserve a better ending? Also, tales from summer internships and a brief visit to the Hans Zimmer fan club. Bu...
Sep 25, 2020•1 hr 14 min
Turn on the neon lights because we're headed into the Schumacher extended universe. Batman Month continues as Jake + Mitch dive head-first into the 90s-tastic pool of BATMAN FOREVER. Because sometimes nostalgia is so strong it throws all cinematic standards out the window. True to form, the guys ask the tough questions: - Why does Two-Face's acid need to be boiling? - Should Batman get the James Bond treatment? - Is Jim Carrey the perfect Riddler? No doubt, BATMAN FOREVER is a unique brand of fu...
Sep 17, 2020•53 min
Behold the power of 90's animation! Batman Month continues as Jake + Mitch re-visit the iconic animated achievement, BATMAN: MASK OF THE PHANTASM. Because in many ways our childhoods were defined by this dark, surprising flick. The guys also tackle a few questions: - Is PHANTASM the best of the origin Bat flicks? - Where does Mark Hamill's Joker performance rank among the rest? - What's the secret to unlocking the best Batman stories? Love, vengeance, tragedy, and countless perfect shots -- this...
Sep 11, 2020•55 min
Remember when Tim Burton made comic book movies? To kick-off Batman Month, Jake + Mitch re-visit the early 90s landmark, BATMAN RETURNS. Because there’s really no better way to dive into Gotham City than by relishing the collective talents of Keaton, Pfeiffer, DeVito, and Walken. Along the way, the guys hit a few questions: - Is BATMAN RETURNS a cult classic? - Could this be the greatest multi-villain comic flick of all-time? - What makes Walken so perfect? Equal parts fun, absurd, and emo Moses...
Sep 04, 2020•55 min
One thing is certain ... we need more fandomes in our lives. Jake + Mitch sing the praises of the worldwide, online event, DC Fandome, as they deep-dive into the newly released trailers for THE BATMAN and WONDER WOMAN 1984. Because there is so much hype and takes to be had. - Is the Bat-Pat suit solid or cosplay gone wrong? - With Riddler, Penguin, Catwoman -- will THE BATMAN be overstuffed? - Kristen Wiig as Cheetah = Best comic villain casting of recent memory? Along the way they toss-in a few...
Aug 28, 2020•35 min
Is it possible to create and launch an indie comic during a pandemic? You bet! Jake + Mitch welcome back friend of the pod Zack Quaintance to dish on his latest project, 'Next Door' a new neo-noir crime comic book. Because apparently when he's not busy running ComicsBookcase.com, Zack finds time to collaborate with talented folks to build a new original story. The guys unpack the the process behind crafting the comic and launching a successful Kickstarter campaign. And, of course, they dive into...
Aug 21, 2020•45 min
What's not to love about Charlie Brown? Jake + Mitch sit down with Benjamin L. Clark, Curator of the Charles M. Schulz Museum, to dish on THE PEANUTS MOVIE and the hidden stories behind Schulz’s work. More importantly, Benjamin answers the hefty questions: - Is Charlie Brown the patron saint of Millennial adulthood? - Does ‘The Peanuts Movie’ honor the legacy of Schulz work? - And … Why is it called Peanuts? Because with the movie hitting Disney+, now is a perfect time to dive back into the time...
Aug 13, 2020•56 min
The gang is back … but in Dallas … in the 60s. Jake + Mitch dive into the first four episodes of UMBRELLA ACADEMY S2. With the Kennedy backdrop, all the main players fanned out, and the Scandinavian assassins this season is certainly headed for big things. So what are the biggest takeaways so far?: - Is this edition of Klaus the best? - What do we make of the needle drops: Too many or just enough? - Has season two cracked the code to substance over style? With yet another apocalypse looming, sur...
Aug 07, 2020•38 min
The Watching Comics Pod is back with another installment of... IMPOSSIBLE QUESTIONS. Attempting to answer daunting questions; or at least re-visiting something we may have underestimated. Quick takes, sharp focus, and endless Twitter-blasting potential. Co-Host Jake shares his thoughts on everyone’s favorite mercenary potentially being on the move: Is there room for Ryan Reynolds' DEADPOOL in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? In a few quick minutes, Jakes shares why it’s non-negotiable that Reynold...
Jul 30, 2020•11 min
Has it been 20 years already? Jake + Mitch re-visit the first X-MEN movie with new eyes as they look back at what this movie helped start. Along the way they unpack a few slightly more than lukewarm takes: - Is this the best comic book movie cast from top-to-bottom? - Why is Cyclops overrated? - Costumes: Awesome or eye-sore? Even through all that one thing remains clear -- two decades later, the film holds-up remarkably well. Now if only all the sequels could have followed suit ... but that's a...
Jul 24, 2020•52 min
Summer starts when a big summer blockbuster drops. Jake + Mitch dive into Netflix’s latest comic book title, ‘The Old Guard’. Because when you have a chance to watch immortal mercenaries do their thing, you don’t miss it. Along the way they answer a few questions: - Is Charlize Theron Hollywood’s most versatile working actress? - ‘The Old Guard’: Great movie or just meh? - Will the assumed sequel change the way we view the first installment? The guys also reveal where they land in the arena of H...
Jul 17, 2020•47 min
What are the most important comic book movies ever made? Jake + Mitch celebrate 100 episodes by issuing a heart-felt 'thank you’ to loyal listeners (1:50). Then, they attempt to answer that daunting question (8:00). With four spots up for grabs, the guys debate and make the case for the superhero flicks they believe deserve first-ballot hall of fame status. And yes, the process is as painful as it sounds. Along the way they hit a few questions: - Is ‘The Dark Knight’ a perfect film? - What does ...
Jul 10, 2020•59 min
Since 1978 we've believed a man can fly. Jake + Mitch re-visit the majestic feature that started it all, Richard Donner's Superman: The Movie. With an all-star cast and incredible spectacle, the guys discuss the lasting impact of the comic book film that started it all. Along the way they hit a few notable topics: - Is the run from '77 - '85 the original summer blockbuster renaissance? - What's the secret to "fixing" future Superman projects? - Could it be the best comic book cast set to screen?...
Jun 26, 2020•1 hr 2 min
Who’s the best to wear the mask and cape? Jake + Mitch celebrate brilliance in compiling lists of their favorite comic book movie performances of all-time. The kicker? Only allowed three picks allowed. Don't worry, with a massive well of which to draw, there’s still room for a few surprises. Along the way they dish on a few notable topics: - Is Brolin’s Thanos the best motion-capture performance? - Why do we keep overlooking Batman Returns? - Did Michael B. Jordan’s Killmonger deserve an Oscar n...
Jun 12, 2020•47 min
Remember when Alec Baldwin was a superhero? Jake + Mitch venture back to the 90s vault and relish in the red scarfed glory of THE SHADOW. Along the way they hit a few key questions: - Why isn't comic book hero Alec Baldwin a bigger deal? - What if Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell did a remake? - Is Baldwin's Lamont Cranston just Don Draper minus the booze? As is the case with most pre-21st Century campy comic flicks, this one had a moment ... just not a big one. Either way, THE SHADOW is a fun ride ...
Jun 02, 2020•53 min
Time to pivot to Listening Comics? Jake + Mitch freak out over the latest SANDMAN news. From a grade-A cast to the inclusion of the master Neil Gaiman himself, there's much to be excited about. With Audible going all-in on comic book audio drama, they can't help but wonder what that means for the future of comic book entertainment. A few questions arise: - Is James McAvoy a good leading man? - What will this audio experience mean for the long-awaited TV / Movie projects? - Which comics will get ...
May 21, 2020•44 min
The Watching Comics Pod returns with another installment of... IMPOSSIBLE QUESTIONS. Attempting to answer daunting questions; or at least re-visiting something we may have underestimated. Quick takes, sharp focus, and endless Twitter-blasting potential. Co-Host Mitch shares his bold take from a memorably disappointing flick: Is it possible that SUPERMAN RETURNS is the grand champion of “Great Trailer, Bad Movie”? In a few quick minutes, Mitch shares why the initial Supes teaser gave him chills i...
May 08, 2020•10 min
Fan-casting just got real. Jake + Mitch return with a Shut-Up and Give It To Me-adjacent episode. The guys pick their go to writers, directors, and creatives they'd like to see venture into the comic book movie arena next. Because even with all the great comic stuff hitting our screens, there's still room for more. Along the way they hit four exciting potential projects: - Who should write the next wave of X-Men flicks? - Could we see Lynne Ramsay taking on an indie comic film? - Is there a reci...
May 01, 2020•53 min
Is being mostly good really good enough? Jake + Mitch share thoughts on the latest DC property hitting HBO Max. In some ways, they celebrate that JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK is finally getting the TV treatment. In others, they can't help but wonder: Is J.J. Abrams the best choice to run the show? What starts as an innocent conversation on the new DC series turns into a full-blown Abrams examination. The guys go through his IMDb rap sheet, and ask a few questions along the way: - Why does J.J. seem to on...
Apr 24, 2020•46 min
The multiverse just got real, folks ... Jake + Mitch can't contain their excitement at the latest news to hit the MCU. That's right, the godfather of comic book flicks himself is returning to the land of superheroes. The guys take a full-blown deep dive into the possibilities of DOCTOR STRANGE II now that Sam Raimi is the director. Along the way, they posit: - Does this have top-tier MCU potential? - How will Scarlet Witch factor in? - Could Shuma-Gorath be the next villian? There's much to be e...
Apr 17, 2020•44 min
The Watching Comics Pod returns with another installment of... IMPOSSIBLE QUESTIONS. Attempting to answer daunting questions; or at least re-visiting something we may have underestimated. Quick takes, sharp focus, and endless Twitter-blasting potential. Co-Host Jake shares his bold take from a favorite flick: Is it possible the SCOTT PILGRIM vs THE WORLD movie is better than the comics? In a few quick minutes, Jake dishes on why the movie--and leading character--changed his life, and why the com...
Apr 09, 2020•7 min
Everyone's favorite sub-series is back! And this time we're making it more than a trilogy. Jake + Mitch strap on their fan-casting capes for another round of, "wouldn't be cool if this project were green-list?" Shut-Up and Give it to Me, Vol. IV hits a lot of random stops along the way but promises to bring you faithful listeners one movie and one show that would be utterly awesome. Here's a quick snapshot of what they've labeled as the next round of "passion projects": - MiracleMan: Dare we giv...
Apr 03, 2020•46 min
The battle royale you've been waiting for ... Jake + Mitch open old wounds as they re-visit two of their most painful cinema experiences in BATMAN & ROBIN and SPIDER-MAN 3. But the question remains: Which is the most painful? In one corner, we have SM3, complete w/ Emo Tobey and two musical numbers. In the opposite corner, we have Bat Nipples. Both movies remain infamous for all the wrong reasons. The guys attempt to break down why and flirt with existentialism along the way. Be sure to give...
Mar 27, 2020•47 min
So, now that we’re quarantined…what’s next? Jake + Mitch emerge from their social distancing to compile a go-to watchlist. Because when you’re cooped-up at home for two weeks, you’ve got to have something to watch, right? Thanks to the wonders of physical media and the endless libraries of streaming platforms, there’s no shortage of comic book inspired titles to choose from. With Jake vowing to share BATMAN TAS with his kids and Mitch planning a DEADPOOL day, stuff is bound to get rowdy. Besides...
Mar 20, 2020•47 min
Will we call him BatPat, Battinson, or R-Bat? Jake + Mitch aren't sure which nickname will stick, but they are certain enough "leaked" photos of THE BATMAN that it's worth talking about. Because we're never at a shortage of Batman content. Along the way the guys hit a few key questions: - Is this Batmobile sleek or stupid? - Will Matt Reeves bring the goods? - Can Paul Dano reach Heath Ledger heights w/ his Riddler? Whether we asked for it or not, next year we're getting another Batman movie...a...
Mar 06, 2020•45 min
