The Geek Watch Podcast

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy discuss the delay of Sony's "Kraven the Hunter" movie, touching upon the shift in release dates and the ramifications for fans. The conversation then moves to reshoots "Deadpool & Wolverine", highlighting the difference in perception and purpose behind them, particularly for the upcoming Wolverine film. Quentin Tarantino's decision to scrap his last movie project and start anew is examined, with speculation about his motivations and potential direction. As the main review segment, they share their thoughts on the first part of the three-part season finale of "X-Men 97", praising its storytelling and relevance to modern societal issues. Additionally, the hosts touch on broader trends in Hollywood, such as shifts in movie themes towards sexuality, the ambitious yet concerning advancements in AI and its impact on content creation, and the anticipation for the next episodes of "Doctor Who". 00:00 Welcome to the Geek Watch Podcast! 00:48 Movie Delays and Industry Updates 02:33 The Art of Reshoots and Marvel's Strategy 04:18 Quentin Tarantino's Creative Pivot 07:43 The Evolution of Movie Themes and Gen Z's Perspectives on Sex 10:04 AI's Insatiable Data Appetite and Ethical Dilemmas 14:34 X-Men 97: A Deep Dive into the Season Finale: Part 1 26:20 Looking Forward to Doctor Who and Wrapping Up

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy dive into Hollywood's storytelling dynamics, touching on Mandy's current involvement in the Cabaret production and its historical backdrop in Berlin during the 1930s. The conversation transitions to the impact of politics on arts and the creative process, leading to a discussion on the failed Disney takeover and its implications for corporate control in the entertainment industry. Brian and Mandy analyze recent cinema trends, including the return of nostalgic IPs and the outcomes of CinemaCon, with a particular focus on the trailers for upcoming movies such as "Deadpool and Wolverine", and "Alien: Romulus". They also discuss the polarized reactions from the audience regarding different films, illustrating a broader trend of extreme opinions in the current cultural landscape. The episode concludes with an exploration of the new X-Men '97 series, highlighting its narrative strengths and the emotional response it evokes, while also touching on controversies surrounding the show's creator and the potential for future storylines. 00:00 Hollywood's Story 00:43 Diving Into the World of Cabaret and Historical Context 02:53 The Failed Disney Takeover and Its Implications 03:59 CinemaCon Highlights and Nostalgia in Hollywood 06:17 The Polarizing World of Zack Snyder's Films 08:52 Navigating the Polarization of Movie Opinions 11:06 Deadpool and Wolverine: Analyzing the Trailer and Fan Reactions 16:02 Navigating Movie Trailers and Audience Expectations 17:36 Anticipation for Upcoming Horror and Superhero Films 18:51 Deep Dive into X-Men '97: Spoilers and Analysis 22:22 Exploring Time Travel and Alternate Timelines in X-Men '97 25:32 Wrapping Up with Thoughts on Storytelling and Future Episodes

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy dive deep into the geeky abyss with discussions spanning from eye-catching trailers like 'The Penguin' and the much-anticipated 'Doctor Who' Season 1 to pondering the future of the DC Universe with 'Joker 2' and Batman delays. They share their thoughts on the nostalgia-packed 'Ghostbusters' and the newest animated tales in 'X-Men 97', reflecting on how these favorites from the past have been reimagined for today's audiences. The meaty part of the chat, however, unveils the unfolding drama around Disney potentially facing a hostile takeover by Nelson Peltz and Trian Partners. They unpack the stakes, the strategies at play, and the buzz around what this means for Disney's creative direction, especially regarding Marvel's inclusion and diversity controversies. Through laughs and lively debate, Brian and Mandy tackle the critical question: will corporate greed overshadow artistic integrity in the House of Mouse? 00:00 Opening 00:44 Trailer Talks: Penguin and Doctor Who's Latest Glimpses 04:54 Ghostbusters: Nostalgia, Reviews, and Future Prospects 07:33 Box Office Battles and the Summer Movie Season Outlook 09:22 X-Men 97 and the Evolution of Animated Storytelling 12:40 Exploring the Spider-Verse: A Mini Movie Surprise 14:12 The Disney Takeover Drama: Stakeholders, Strategies, and Speculations 26:08 Closing Thoughts

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy dive into recent peculiar events in Hollywood and geek culture, including 'The View' and a proposed stunt involving Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, speculation surrounding canceled Marvel projects, and the unexpected firing of an 'X-Men 97' showrunner due to his OnlyFans account. The conversation touches on the Oscars, with a mention of John Cena's appearance and winners like 'The Boy and the Heron'. They also discuss the anticipation around the release of 'Dune 2' and 'Ghostbusters,' look forward to the sequel of 'Beetlejuice,' and share their thoughts on the recent 'Doctor Who' scheduling controversy. 00:00 Welcome to the Geek Watch Podcast! 00:30 Brian's Health Update and Weird Hollywood Happenings 01:41 The View's Deadpool and Wolverine Controversy 03:39 Disney and Marvel's Recent Moves 05:52 Oscars Recap and Surprises 07:54 X-Men '97 and Controversy 11:08 Doctor Who's Bizarre Global Release Strategy 14:50 Sequel Mania: Dune, Ghostbusters, and Beetlejuice 16:49 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy discuss popular movies and series that are now coming out, including 'Dune Part 2' and 'The Walking Dead'. Reflecting on the perceived criticisms about Hollywood, they discuss the need for an initial willingness to understand a piece of work, rather than tearing it apart. The hosts suggest a potential shift in evaluative methods for reviewing movies, inspired by Mandy's more positive and less analytical viewpoint. They also discuss 'Status and Culture' by W. David Marx and how the internet has greatly influenced culture. In relation to bad movies, they argue that Hollywood needs to get back to creating good movies without being influenced by popular narratives or tropes. 00:00 Introduction to the Geek Watch Podcast 00:34 Discussing New Releases and Industry News 01:37 The Influence of Internet on Culture and Popularity 02:46 Analyzing the Current State of Hollywood 03:11 Appreciating the Art of Movie Making 03:20 Exploring the Impact of YouTube Reaction Videos 03:59 The Beauty and Tragedy of 'The Iron Claw' 05:03 The Shifting Landscape of Hollywood 06:10 Behind the Scenes Changes in Disney 07:24 The Evolution of the Film Industry 08:13 The Power of Narratives and Storytelling 08:21 The Controversy Surrounding 'Madam Web' 11:55 The Importance of Story in Hollywood 23:40 Revisiting Classic Movies 26:08 The Role of Reviewers and Critics 28:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy discuss the latest movie news including the new trailer for the 'Borderlands' movie and the release of 'Dune Part 2'. They tackle questions about the recent Hollywood production choices, including the controversial 'Madame Web' film and the potential influence of artificial intelligence in movie production. Throughout their discussion, they express concern about the current state of the film industry, commenting on the shift from theater experiences to home streaming. They highlight the importance of audience engagement and emphasize the need for Hollywood to return to focusing on good storytelling. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome to the Geek Watch Podcast 00:37 Discussion on the New Borderlands Movie Trailer 01:25 Anticipation for Dune Part 2 02:12 The Fashion at Movie Premieres 03:06 Excitement for Upcoming Movies 03:16 The Existential Crisis Triggered by Madam Web 04:55 The Impact of Negative Reviews on Movie Releases 08:36 The Relationship Between Fans and Hollywood 12:18 The Shift in Movie Consumption Habits 16:22 The Need for Shorter, More Engaging Movies 25:35 The Role of AI in Movie Production 27:04 Conclusion and Farewell

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy discuss the disappointing premiere of 'Madam Web', as well as the new trailer for the anticipated 'Deadpool and Wolverine'. They also cover other shows and movies like 'Wicked', 'Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider Man', 'Fantastic Four', and 'Blade', discussing their cast, plot, and speculated release dates. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the potential new strikes in Hollywood and its repercussions on the industry. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome to the Geek Watch Podcast 00:46 Discussing the Latest News and Trailers 01:15 Deep Dive into the Deadpool and Wolverine Trailer 02:39 Speculations and Theories about the Deadpool Movie 07:14 Exploring the Wicked Trailer and its Potential 11:55 The Controversy Surrounding Madame Web 16:02 Excitement for the Fantastic Four and Upcoming Marvel Projects 23:04 The Uncertain Future of Hollywood and the Film Industry 24:30 Conclusion and Farewell

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy dive into the world of Argyle. They share their thoughts and review on the movie, discussing its reception, marketing, and plot twists. The hosts also explore the challenges currently facing Hollywood and reflect on the future of the industry. 00:00 Introduction 02:13 Movie Review: Argyle 08:32 Box Office Performance 12:47 Marketing and Twist Reveals 19:28 Pivoting in Hollywood 23:40 Future Projects and Conclusion

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy discuss rumors about Marvel's downfall, citing several key issues ranging from production changes, reshoots, to personnel shifts. The hosts also review the Marvel series 'Echo', offering their perspective on how it has been received by critics and audiences. Additionally, they talk about the shifts needed in Hollywood to produce quality movies and the increasing importance of good scripts and writing. Brian gives his review of the black and white release of 'Godzilla Minus One', and they end the discussion by looking forward to anticipated releases in 2024. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:46 Marvel's Current State and Future 02:09 Review and Discussion on Marvel's 'Echo' 04:30 The Impact of Expectations on Reviews 06:57 The Future of Marvel and Upcoming Projects 07:27 The Role of News and Speculation in Hollywood 14:04 Review of 'Godzilla Minus One Minus Color' 18:27 Looking Forward to Upcoming Movies and Series 19:42 Conclusion and Farewell

In today's episode, Brian and Mandy discuss Jonathan Majors' controversial court case, implications on his character Kang in the Marvel universe, and speculate on the direction Marvel might take. They also touch base on Steven Yeun's unplanned departure from Marvel and its repercussions, the dismal performance of The Marvels and Aquaman 2, and upcoming Marvel projects. They ponder upon the future of superhero movies, cautioning against total grittiness for Marvel following Bob Iger's comments. Shifting gear to Doctor Who, the duo delve into the latest episodes, exploring character developments and speculating on 'mystery boxes'. Brian shares his dislike for the mystery box methodology used in storytelling. Finally, they review films they recently watched, including the biopic about the Von Erich family, 'The Iron Claw', and the animation 'The Boy and the Heron'. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:51 Discussing Jonathan Majors' Court Case 02:34 Impact on Marvel's Kang Dynasty 04:55 Steven Yeun's Departure from Marvel 06:42 The Struggles of Superhero Movies 16:41 Doctor Who Discussion 22:25 Doctor Who: Theories and Timelines 23:58 The Mystery Box Concept in Storytelling 24:56 The Problem with Mystery Boxes 32:26 The Iron Claw: A Tragic Tale 36:46 Studio Ghibli's The Boy and the Heron: A Unique Experience 38:58 Godzilla Goes...Barbenheimer? 39:06 Conclusion and Sign Off

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy discuss the issue of internet leaks and spoilers for the upcoming Deadpool 3 movie, remarking on the negative impact this has on the audience experience. Transitioning to Doctor Who, they review the second episode of the 60th anniversary series, appreciating its deft intertwining of sci-fi elements, character development, and narrative arcs. Lastly, they discuss the Godzilla Minus One movie, praising its unique storytelling and potential as one of the year's best films. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:40 Avoiding Spoilers and the Impact on Deadpool 3 02:11 Impact of Leaks on the Film Industry 03:53 Doctor Who: Episode Two Discussion 04:24 Spoiler Alert: Pause for Godzilla and Doctor Who 04:58 Doctor Who: Episode Analysis 05:38 Doctor Who: The Big Secret 06:46 Doctor Who: The Classic Sci-Fi Elements 07:22 Doctor Who: The 60th Anniversary and Disney Plus 07:49 Doctor Who: The Return to Form 08:13 Doctor Who: The Bottle Episode 11:10 Doctor Who: The Ending Twist 12:35 Doctor Who: The Alternate Doctor Who Movies 18:39 Doctor Who: The Timeless Child and the Flux 20:43 Anticipation for Russell T Davies' Take on Doctor Who 21:54 Critique of Chris Chibnall's Tenure 22:23 Expectations for Russell T Davies' Storytelling 23:00 The Importance of Character Arcs in Storytelling 23:18 The Evolution of Doctor Who's Character 24:27 The Consequences of Major Changes in Doctor Who 25:11 Speculation on Future Doctor Who Episodes 26:06 Discussion on Godzilla Minus One 26:24 Reflections on the Godzilla Movie 29:41 The Power of Godzilla's Atomic Blast 31:04 The Cultural Context of Godzilla 31:23 The Character Arcs in Godzilla 34:32 The Budget and Production of Godzilla 39:15 The Potential for Godzilla Sequels 39:42 Looking Forward to 2024 40:18 Closing Remarks

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy review the latest geek headlines, discussing 'Next Goal Wins', a heartwarming Taika Waititi film. Mandy reviews the film in depth, while Brian muses over recent comments from Waititi about exiting directing. They analyze Disney's projected box office underperformance and discuss how movies and television shows are now perceived to be sending messages through their entertainment. The pair then grapple with the problematic nature of AI, as shown in recent controversies involving Sports Illustrated's use of AI-written articles. The hosts round off the episode with an excited discussion about the return of Doctor Who, sharing their love for the recent Star Beast special and speculating about upcoming episodes. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:38 Movie Review: Next Goal Wins 01:53 Discussion on Taika Waititi's Career 03:10 Disney's Current Situation and Future Predictions 11:12 The Continuing Impact of AI in Media 12:52 Doctor Who Returns: Initial Reactions 15:21 Deep Dive into Doctor Who's New Episode 26:14 Predictions and Expectations for Upcoming Doctor Who Episodes 29:08 Conclusion and Farewell

Episode 204: Doctor Who, Marvel, And AI's Changing The Game On today's episode, Brian and Mandy kick-off by discussing the recently ended actors' strike along with its implications. In the world of Marvel, they look at Loki Season 2, the recent release of 'The Marvels' and speculate on the future direction of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The hosts also give their take on the increasing role of artificial intelligence in acting and media production. Tune in for a lively interaction of all things pop culture, superheroes and the digital evolution changing the geek landscape. 00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:49 Discussion on 'Children in Need' and 'Doctor Who' 02:49 Exploring 'Doctor Who' 04:32 Marvel's 'What If?' Season 2 Preview 05:45 The Power and Potential of AI 06:45 AI in Film Production and its Implications 08:46 AI in Content Creation and its Future 15:42 Review of 'Loki' Season Two 18:13 The God of Stories: Loki's Transformation 18:57 The Future of Loki: Speculations and Predictions 20:30 The Multiverse and its Guardians: The TVA's New Mission 21:38 Marvel's Future: Rumors and Possibilities 22:39 The Marvels: A Critical Review 24:01 The Marvels: A Deeper Dive into the Film 27:26 The Marvels: The Impact of Marketing and Expectations 37:21 The Future of Marvel: Challenges and Opportunities 41:54 Podcast Closing Remarks

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy celebrate the end of the actor's strike, paving the way for reviews and discussions on Marvel's Loki, new trailers and an upcoming Doctor Who holiday special. The duo delves into the implications of the strike over AI protections for actors, shares thoughts on the Ghostbusters trailer, updates on Planet of the Apes, Echo, and talks about Doctor Who's 'Whoniverse'. Listen as they navigate through essential geek culture news and updates, rejoicing over the return of full-fledged content production. 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Start 00:59 Discussion on the End of the Strike 01:26 Details of the Strike and its Resolution 07:05 Upcoming Movie Trailers and Releases 16:17 Doctor Who News and Speculations 21:52 Conclusion and Future Expectations

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy discuss the ongoing strike affecting the podcast's content at length, with focus on the struggle around AI becoming the critical issue. Both parties remain steadfast, raising questions about the future. The hosts also share their Halloween experiences, discussing costumes, unique ideas and the controversy around dressing as struck characters. The episode also covers Brian's novel writing retreat and a preview of the upcoming Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega movie from A24, Death of a Unicorn. It concludes with a look at the alleged trolling activities of HBO. 00:00 Introduction and Halloween Recap\ 00:52 Brian's Novel Retreat Experience 02:17 Mandy's Halloween Office Party 03:08 Mandy's Halloween Costume: Grey Gardens 05:48 The Impact of the Strike on the Podcast 06:35 Discussing the Upcoming Paul Rudd Movie 09:45 The Role of AI in the Strike 18:21 The Future of the Strike 20:28 Conclusion and Sign Off

On today's podcast, Brian and Mandy talk about the SAG-AFTRA strike, the crazy, desperate moves movie studios are doing, and the power of AI, which is a lot more that you think. 00:37 - Still Can't Talk About It 01:18 - Rich Actors Offer More Money, SAG-AFTRA Says No 03:51 - A Room Uncontaminated by Producers 04:22 - No Scab Costumes for Halloween 06:02 - A Desperate Scramble 09:41 - The First Draft Ain't The Best One 14:55 - Brian Does A Deep Dive on AI

On today's podcast, Geek Watch's 200th episode, Brian and Mandy discuss the big story of the week, the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers walking out on the Screen Actor's Guild and the contract negotiations meant to put actors, and Hollywood, back to work. What does this mean for TV and movies?

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy return from their latest sojourn onto the stage with A Midsummer Night's Dream to discuss the WGA, SAG-AFTRA, and the possible return of geek news, hopefully soon. 00:48 - Back from A Midsummer Night's Dream 01:26 - The End of a Show is so Bittersweet 05:01 - Mandy's Return to Directing 06:55 - Brian Had a Lot Of LInes 09:08 - The Show Brian Would Love to Direct 11:40 - We Should Totally Be Talking About... 12:22 - The WGA Strike is Over 14:55 - Brian Couldn't Believe The Streamers Agreed to This 17:07 - Drew Screwed Up 20:31 - We're Not Out of the Woods Yet

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy discuss the federal court decision that may throw a curve into the Hollywood writers and actors strike, Blue Beetle's hollow victory at the box office last week, and the weird news surrounding the returns of Rick and Morty and Doctor Who. 00:40 - The Strike Continues 01:17 - AI Can Not Be Copy-Written, Says Federal Judge 02:08 - Anything AI Will Be Public Domain 05:41 - We Are Falling Into The Content Abyss 06:28 - Blue Beetle Wins At The Box Office... Technically 08:16 - Maybe Superhero Fatigue Is Real 09:53 - They Want To Cancel Snow White? 12:11 - Taking Those Burned Books To The Bank 13:30 - Rick And Morty's Coming Back, And Better Than Ever...? 17:57 - Covid 2: Electric Boogaloo 20:48 - So, When Exactly Do We Get New Who?

On today's episode, Brian and Mandy discuss the new Joker trailer (what they saw of it), news from the picket line, and the second half of Barbieheimer, aka Oppenheimer. 00:34 - The New Joker Trailer Came Out... 00:56 - ... And Flew Under The Radar 01:35 - Studios Need To Advertise, Now More Than Ever 02:47 - AMPTP and WGA Return To The Table 04:07 - Can An Agreement Be Made? 05:23 - The Importance of the Writer's Room 07:51 - Is American Horror Story Using Scabs? 12:46 - Brian Saw Oppenheimer 13:23 - And The Oscar Goes To... Robert Downey Jr? 13:53 - Great Acting Across The Board 14:34 - Florence Pugh is What?! 15:38 - That Scene Took A Lot of Nerve to Do 19:23 - Damn, That Was Loud! 21:08 - Did Brian Like Oppenheimer? 22:35 - The Definition of Oscar Bait