A collection of podcasts exploring the culture in pop culture. Our shows range from the general (flagship show The Chronic Rift) to the specific (The Batcave Podcast). We look at literature (Dead Kitchen Radio), movies (The Weekly Podioplex), family (Generations Geek), gaming (The Cardboard Jungle), and more.

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On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, the Black Panther is unstoppable as the film crests $1 billion worldwide and just keeps on kicking tail. Gringo couldn't stop it, a hurricane couldn't stop it, Strangers couldn't stop it... not even Disney could stop it. Lara Croft and a new version of Tomb Raider is leading a small army of newcomers who will try to stop the king, but it's anyone's guess as to who will come in on top.

On the home entertainment front, Shape of Water and Justice League lead the pack with The Last Jedi coming to digital. The Handmaid's Tale brings a frightening future to TV shelves, and our retro title takes us on A Trip to the Moon. 

Denise returns to your ears with news of a holistic detective, a Green Lantern that jumps on couches, and a treatise on Universal's Dark Universe. It's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for March 13, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Tomb Raider

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Black Panther – [Fourth Week]
#2 – A Wrinkle in Time – [New Release]
#3 – Strangers: Prey at Night – [New Release]
#4 – Red Sparrow – [-2]
#5 – Game Night – [-1]
#6 – Peter Rabbit – [-1]

#7 – Death Wish – [-4]
#8 – Annihilation – [-2]
#9 – The Hurricane Heist – [New Release]
#10 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [-3]

 

 

Box Office Premieres

March 16, 2018: Wide

Tomb Raider – [PG-13]
Love, Simon – [PG-13]
7 Days in Entebbe – [PG-13]
I Can Only Imagine – [PG]

March 16, 2018: Limited

Flower – [R]
Allure – [NR]
Josie – [NR]
Journey’s End – [R]
Ramen Heads – [NR]
Maineland – [NR]
Demon House – [NR]

 

Home Entertainment

March 13, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

The Shape of Water – [R]

Justice League – [PG-13]

The Disaster Artist – [R]

I, Tonya – [R]

Ferdinand – [PG]

 

March 13, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Star Wars: The Last Jedi – [PG-13]

 

March 13, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

The Handmaid’s Tale: Season One (2017)

Fear the Walking Dead: Season Three (2017)

Major Crimes: Season Six (2017)

 

March 6, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

A Trip to the Moon (1902) – [G]

 

Podcast Promos

The Flopcast
Kevin and Kornflake are back in business, and bringing you The Flopcast, live from Chickentown. They are still quite obsessed with both coffee and cartoons, as well as comedy music, and various other silly and geeky pursuits. And rubber chickens. And yaks. They remain frightened and confused. And they still base all their personal and business decisions on the advice of that invisible toad thing. A huge mistake? Well, based on the track record of these two hopeless dreamers, the answer to that question can only be: "You're still reading this? Really?"

 

 

 

Quick Flicks

Tom Cruise is a Green Lantern?
Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency is closing shop
The Shape of Water producer considering Universal’s Dark Universe

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

 

Direct download: Podioplex031318.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 8:06pm EDT
Comments[0]

Isis

"How to Find a Friend"

November 1, 1975

Tom is a troubled student who tries to make friends, but fails.  He comes up with the idea of really impressing a kid with a dirt bike he wants to ride by offering him an antique gun that belongs to his father.  The problem is the firing mechanism of the gun is rusted and the weapon could go off in the user's hands.

This is a packed episode even though it isn't action packed.  First, Richard relates his attending Big Apple Comic Con in New York with Jackson Bostwick and how the two participated in a panel on the history of the use of the name, Captain Marvel.  Next, John and Richard discuss the third issue of the 1976 DC Comics run of Isis.  Finally, they discuss the episode itself.  Richard likes it more than John, finding the time manipulation elements interesting, while John just finds it weird.

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: "In today's story, Tom learns that you cannot buy friendship.  Real friends are those who like you for yourself, not because you are giving them presents.  And Tom learned something else.  He learned that a gun is not a toy.  A lot of people are sorry, because they were hurt by a gun they thought wasn't loaded.  So, play it safe.  Don't play with a gun, then you'll never be sorry."

Guest Cast

Mike Lookinland as Tom Anderson

Buddy Foster as Billie

Tommy Norden as Joe

Russ Martin as Mister Anderson

&

Albert Reed as Dr. Joshua Barnes

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_38.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 9:05pm EDT
Comments[0]

"THE HORNET AND THE FIREFLY"

AIRED: DECEMBER 30, 1966

 

There's an arsonist on the loose in the city and the Hornet takes the case.  But Mike Axford has a former police investigator with a specialty in arson that he'd like to bring in.  He quickly learns that the man has more to prove than just the case.  John and Jim are at odds over the merits of this episode.  Take a listen and see. 

The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_015.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT
Comments[0]

Author Jeremy K. Brown returns to the podcast to discuss his new book, Zero Limit.  Before they get to that, he and John discuss Netflix and how the streaming service is moving towards feeling like a television network.  Then, they discuss Zero Limit and the parallels of motifs with his previous work, Ocean of Storms.  

 

 

 

 

 

  

Jeremy K. Brown has authored several biographies for young readers, including books on Stevie Wonder and Ursula K. Le Guin. He has also contributed articles to numerous magazines and newspapers, including special issues for TV Guide and the Discovery Channel, and recently edited a collector’s issue on Pink Floyd for Newsweek. He worked for 10 years for WWE, serving as Deputy Editor of WWE Magazine and as a member of the company's television writing staff. Jeremy published his first novel, Calling Off Christmas, in 2011 and is currently at work on another novel. He lives in New York with his wife and sons.

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_010.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 8:56pm EDT
Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, we find out that there are turkeys in Wakanda and they are tasty. Black Panther is king for a third week straight, breaking a few more records and overpowering even Jennifer Lawrence and Bruce Willis. This week, it's Disney versus Disney as A Wrinkle in Time tries to take down the Panther. Either way, the Mouse is champ.

On the home entertainment front, thunderbolts and lightning are very very frightening with Thor: Ragnarok leading the charge. Jumanji goes digital as Atlanta and The Good Fight bring TV home. We also have Gelflings on HD as The Dark Crystal makes a 4K debut. 

Despite a slow news week, it's still showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex030618.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 6:42pm EDT
Comments[0]

"The Return of the Caped Crusaders"

Released November 1, 2016

 

It's the movie 50 years in the making (well, in the waiting).  Adam West, Burt Ward, and Julie Newmar return to the Batman 66 universe in an all-new animated movie.  Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman have reunited to take control of Gotham City and the world once again with the theft of a duplicator ray.  But it wouldn't be Batman 66 if there wasn't more to the plot and there certainly is as Batman becomes more aggressive in his pursuit of the villainous quartet.  What is happening and will good triumph over evil in the end?

Joining John to breakdown this movie in a double-sized episode is Dan Greenfield of 13th Dimension, Billy Flynn of Geek Radio Daily, and Ben Bentley of the Batman 66 Message Board.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Dan Greenfield is the editor and co-creator of 13thDimension.com, a website devoted primarily to comics and pop culture, past and present. To him, the basic food groups are Batman, Planet of the Apes, Star Trek (the Original Series), James Bond, the Beatles and the Stones. But if he had to he'd be able to subsist on Batman alone. Channel 11 in New York was his favorite syndicated channel as a kid -- you can guess why -- followed closely by Channel 5. Channel 9 didn't really enter into it unless he was home sick and there wasn't much else on. He's married to his remarkably patient wife Wendy and his best sidekick is his son, Sam. They have two cats,Lex and Zod.

 

Links

13th Dimension Website

Facebook page

Twitter

 

The Wonderful Billy Flynn brings the funny each week on Geek Radio Daily! His daytime alter ego is mild-mannered (well, that part is a stretch) radio station personality at WLEE in Virginia.   He actually gets paid to sit on his butt and run his mouth! His “edumacation” is from UNC-Wilmington, the Columbia School of Broadcasting, and University of Phoenix. When he is not gracing the podcasting airways with his comedic stylings, you can find Billy Flynn on Xbox Live (flynn71), rockin’ out on Guitar Hero or Rock Band, watching movies, reading comics, working out, or posting on the forums at geekradiodaily.com (ding!).

 

"Ben Bentley is an internationally published music photographer and Bat-Fan based in the United Kingdom. When Ben isn't behind the camera, you can find him sharing his lifelong love of Adam West's TV Batman as a co-moderator over at the 1966 Batman Message Board (66batman.com). Having traveled to California several times to attend conventions and hang out with Bat-friends, Ben has been lucky enough to try on one of Adam's original screen worn Cowls, meet several surviving cast members from the show and even run up and down the steps of Gotham City Police Headquarters in his own Adam West Batsuit. 

You can keep up to date with Ben's photographic work over on his blog... http://www.benbentleyphoto.tumblr.com or why not come and join Scott, Ben and the gang at the internet's longest standing 1966 TV Batman message board... http://www.66batman.com" 

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_Episode_67.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT
Comments[0]

Isis

"Bigfoot"

October 25, 1975

Lee and Cindy claim to have seen Bigfoot while walking through the woods.  Is it possible?  Rick has a hard time believing it, but when the kids begin to panic and decide to hunt the beast down, Isis steps in and discovers the secret of Bigfoot (long before Steve Austin did).

John is especially excited to tackle this episode considering his love for Bigfoot on The Six Million Dollar Man, but there are problems with it as John and Richard discuss.  Plus, they also talk about how Isis managed to debunk supernatural tropes that were popular in the 70s, wonder how a man with shoes leaves a bare footprint, and discuss the second issue of the DC Comics The Mighty Isis Series, "The Creature from Dimension X" and "Lost and Found".

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: "There's a well-known proverb that says, "You can't judge a book by its cover."  What that means is that you can't tell what something is like just by the way it looks.  That's especially true of people.  So whether they be tall or short, thin or fat, remember, the way a person acts, not how he looks, that is what counts."

Guest Cast

Scott Colomby as Lee Webster

Neil J. Schwartz as Mickey Moses

William Engesser as Bigfoot (Richard)

&

Albert Reed as Dr. Joshua Barnes

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep37.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 5:44pm EDT
Comments[0]

Recorded on Facebook Live

March 4, 2018

 

The Oscars have come and gone and John doesn’t care. And yet, there he was, offering his thoughts on this year's Oscar nominees. See what he got right and what he got wrong.  Also, it’s also a chance for John to do some housekeeping and present some things to you, the viewer, you may not be aware of when it comes to The Chronic Rift in general.

Join John every Sunday morning at 9EST for the live recording of The Chronic Rift on Facebook Live.

Direct download: Chronic_Rift_009.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 5:37pm EDT
Comments[0]

"MAY THE BEST MAN LOSE"

AIRED: DECEMBER 23, 1966

 

District Attorney Scanlon is running for re-election and it looks like it's going to be a rough one as his life is threatened.  The Hornet has to step in to investigate, but how does he do it without connecting himself to the DA?  This is an interesting episode of the series as it addresses a number of questions, the least of which is why should one elect someone who has failed time and again to catch public enemy number one, The Green Hornet?  

The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_014.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT
Comments[0]

Bing Crosby leads “The Kraft Music Hall” with special guest, Lucille Ball.  Before she was “Lucy,” the comedy legend, she was a would-be glamour girl with a knack for comedy.  Then on “The College Quiz Bowl” students from Barnard College and Syracuse University tackle topics as diverse as mythology, anatomy, and politics.

 

Episodes

The Kraft Music Hall

March 2, 1944

“Guest: Lucille Ball”

2:40

 

The College Quiz Bowl

October 20, 1954

“Syracuse vs Barnard”

33:04

Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, it's Wakanda forever as Black Panther continues to reign as champion. March is trying to roar in like a lion with Red Sparrow and Death Wish, but the panther powered with vibranium has a ton of momentum.

 

On the home entertainment front, things pick up a bit this week with Coco leading a strong slate including Murder on the Orient Express and The Shape of Water. Television slows down a little with the rebooted MacGyver, but our retro title is the iconic Lady and the Tramp. Finally, Denise gives us updates on Battlestar Galactica, a whole lotta Stephen King, and a bat-farewell to Whedon.

 

Enjoy the journey, because it's showtime on The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for February 27, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Red Sparrow

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Black Panther – [Second Week]
#2 – Game Night – [New Release]
#3 – Peter Rabbit – [-1]
#4 – Annihilation – [New Release]
#5 – Fifty Shades Freed – [-2]
#6 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [-2]

#7 – The 15:17 to Paris – [-2]
#8 – The Greatest Showman – [-2]
#9 – Every Day – [Limited Release]
#10 – Early Man – [-3]

 

Box Office Premieres

March 2, 2018: Wide

Red Sparrow – [R]
Death Wish – [R]

March 2, 2018: Limited

Foxtrot – [R]
They Remain – [NR]
Submission – [NR]
Souvenir – [NR]
Dance Academy: The Movie – [NR]

 

Home Entertainment

February 27, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Coco – [PG]

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – [R]

Darkest Hour – [PG-13]

Murder on the Orient Express – [PG-13]

 

February 20, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

The Shape of Water – [R]

 

February 20, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

MacGyver: Season One (2017)

Diff’rent Strokes: Season Seven (1984)

Green Acres: Season Five (1969)
Mayberry R.F.D.: Season One (1968)

 

February 13, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Lady and the Tramp (1955) – [G]

 

Podcast Promos

MASH 4077 Podcast

MASH 4077 Podcast is a fan cast covering one of the most well known and highly successful series in television history. Hosted by Kenny, Meds, and Al, each episode will cover a single episode of MASH starting at the beginning with the pilot. We hope to share with our listeners some cool and informative behind the scene information, cool trivia and little know facts about this wonderful TV series.

 

 

Quick Flicks

Battlestar Galactica reboot update
The Dark Tower and Wheel of Time head to Amazon
The Bone Church is coming to TV
Joss Whedon and Batgirl

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex022718.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 6:40pm EDT
Comments[0]

"Minerva, Mayhem and Millionaires"

Aired March 14, 1968

 

Minerva has a plan to rob the richest men in Gotham City while using her spa as a front for her operations.  It seems almost like a plausible story for the third season.  In fact, John went into it dreading it and then found in watching it and then talking about it with guest host, longtime Batman 66 fan, Robert Long, that it wasn't all that bad.  Robert goes so far as to point out that the episode has the beats of a condensed two-part second season story.  They also discuss the relationship between Barbara Gordon/Batgirl and Alfred compared with his relationship with Batman and Robin.  It may be the final review of the original series, but it's not the end of the podcast as John explains towards the end.  Thank you so much for listening and thanks for your continuing comments here and to thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

Robert Long is a full time graphic designer and independent filmmaker.  As a first generation Batman syndication kid, he manages the 1966-68 Batman Television Series Group on Facebook.  He has had the pleasure to meet and work with Adam West and Julie Newmar with various projects in the past.  Visit Robert's production company - Smash or Trash Independent Filmmakingto learn more about it.

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_Episode_69.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 8:00pm EDT
Comments[0]

Isis

"Bigfoot"

October 25, 1975

Lee and Cindy claim to have seen Bigfoot while walking through the woods.  Is it possible?  Rick has a hard time believing it, but when the kids begin to panic and decide to hunt the beast down, Isis steps in and discovers the secret of Bigfoot (long before Steve Austin did).

John is especially excited to tackle this episode in light of his love for Bigfoot on The Six Million Dollar Man, but there are problems with it as John and Richard discuss.  Plus, they also talk about how Isis managed to debunk supernatural tropes that were popular in the 70s, wonder how a man with shoes leaves a bare footprint, and discuss the second issue of the DC Comics The Mighty Isis Series, "The Creature from Dimension X" and "Lost and Found".

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: "There's a well-known proverb that says, "You can't judge a book by its cover."  What that means is that you can't tell what something is like just by the way it looks.  That's especially true of people.  So whether they be tall or short, thin or fat, remember, the way a person acts, not how he looks, that is what counts."

Guest Cast

Scott Colomby as Lee Webster

Neil J. Schwartz as Mickey Moses

William Engesser as Bigfoot (Richard)

&

Albert Reed as Dr. Joshua Barnes

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_37.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 7:17pm EDT
Comments[0]

Recorded on Facebook Live February 25, 2018.

 

It's that time of the month, when John gets a hankering for taking a look at all things pop culture and reviewing them with a group of people whose opinion he trusts.  This month, the focus is on Marvel's Black Panther movie.  John is joined by Denise Lhamon of The Weekly Podioplex and artist Mike Fichera.  Together they discuss Dan Persons' assertion that Marvel didn't really push the envelope when it came to the social message of the movie.  Plus, they chat about the glut of super hero projects in general and is the bubble about to burst with thanks to commentary from Ken Holtzhouser.  It's all here, plus a little Bringing it to the Table for a new In Review for February 2018.

 

Contents:

 

3:40 - John is thrilled that the very short-lived 80s TV series The Master has been released on Blu-Ray in a remastered format, but he continues to question the powers that be that won't do the same for The Six Million Dollar Man & The Bionic Woman.

 

6:10 - Mike addresses the concerns that there is too many Marvel movies to keep up with, a discussion that will continue well into the episode.

 

11:45 - The Batcave Podcast promo


13:30 - Dan Persons offers his thoughts on the latest offering from the MCU,  Black Panther and we discuss what came across as an odd note in the review.

 

48:50 - Ken Holtzhauser opines on the glut of super hero entertainment and how we might just be reaching the bursting of the bubble.

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_008.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 12:48pm EDT
Comments[0]

Episode 46—Treknology

 

Science fiction writer Scott Pearson welcomes astrophysicist Ethan Siegel to discuss science and Treknology, his new book about how the technology of Star Trek compares with what we have now and what we could develop in the future. Plus, Ella reacts to the surprise at the end of Star Trek: Discovery’s first season finale. 

 

Segments

Intro :28

What Came First, Trek or Science 1:08

When Trek Took Hold 3:00

Science as a Career 5:19

On Becoming an Astrophysicist 7:30

All the Star Trek 9:46

What Do Cosmologists Do 10:30

Popularizing Science 14:14

Space Kilts! 15:43

Carl Sagan 16:55

Writing About Science 20:17

Treknology: Holograms 24:00 

Geordi’s VISOR 27:10

Synthehol 30:05

Tech That’s Better Than Trek 33:50

Universal Translators 35:08

Replicators 37:10

The Borg…But in a Good Way 38:00

Human Life Extension 41:05

Warp Drive 45:20

FtL Communication 50:29

Emergency Medical Hologram 51:41 

Transporters Would be Nice 54:20

Phasers 54:59

Bonus: Weather Control 56:28

Ella Reacts to Discovery Finale 59:36

Direct download: GenGeek_46.mp3
Category:Generations Geek -- posted at: 4:14pm EDT
Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, it's Wakanda forever as Black Panther breaks all sorts of records and secures the throne. Next week, games and aliens try to unseat the king as we visit Game Night and Annihilation, but the power of vibranium and T'Challa is hard to beat.

 

On the home entertainment front, it's a holiday clearinghouse as Daddy's Home 2, The Star, and the Twelfth Doctor's Christmas special make their debuts. In digital we get Thor: Ragnarok and a little dose of murder on the Orient Express. Also, television goes to Texas... Midnight, Texas, before returning us to the feet of The Master. Finally, Denise gives the week a send off with gifts of Scorsese in Rome and her thoughts on Black Panther. 

 

Spoiler: We both loved it.

 

Enjoy the journey, because it's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for February 20, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Game Night

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Black Panther – [New Release]
#2 – Peter Rabbit – [Even]
#3 – Fifty Shades Freed – [-2]
#4 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [Even]
#5 – The 15:17 to Paris – [-2]
#6 – The Greatest Showman – [-1]

#7 – Early Man – [New Release]
#8 – Maze Runner: The Death Cure – [-2]
#9 – Winchester – [-2]
#10 – The Post – [-2]

 

 

Box Office Premieres

February 23, 2018: Wide

Game Night – [R]
Annihilation – [R]

February 23, 2017: Limited

Hannah – [NR]
The Lodgers – [R]
Beasts of Burden – [R]
The Chamber – [NR]
Survivors Guide to Prison – [TV-MA]

 

Home Entertainment

February 20, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Daddy’s Home 2 – [PG-13]

The Star – [PG]

 

February 20, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Thor: Ragnarok – [PG-13]

Murder on the Orient Express – [PG-13]

 

February 20, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Doctor Who: Twice Upon a Time (2017)

Midnight, Texas: Season One (2017)

The Master: The Complete Series (1984)

 

February 13, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

The Night Walker (1964) – [NR]

 

Podcast Promos

The Anomaly Podcast

Welcome to Anomaly Geek Girl Podcasts and Blog.  Articles and episodes feature topics such as: Sci Fi and Fantasy books, games, movies & television shows, costuming & cosplay, conventions, theatre & general geek culture. There’s a little something here for the geek in every one.

 

 

Quick Flicks

Martin Scorsese tackles Rome
Black Panther spoiler-free review

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex022018.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 5:46pm EDT
Comments[0]

"FREEWAY TO DEATH"

AIRED: DECEMBER 16, 1966

The Hornet and Mike Axford teaming up?  How is this possible?  When Britt orders Mike to work with the Hornet in order to bring down a construction racket, Mike has his own ideas that could threaten his life.  John and Jim are in agreement that this is a "Must Watch" episode, but they're not entirely sure why.  Is it the appearance of Jeffrey Hunter?  Is it the Black Beauty versus three bulldozers?  Is it the Hornet Mortars?  Is it the Hornet and Mike working together?  Take a listen and maybe you can help them figure it out.  Also, the two take a moment to talk about the late Van Williams and his legacy of The Green Hornet.

The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_013.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 5:30pm EDT
Comments[0]

"The Entrancing Dr. Cassandra"
Aired March 7, 1968

It's the penultimate episode of the series and it seems to lack any spark or energy to it despite featuring Ida Lupino and Howard Duff as alchemist Dr. Cassandra and her groovy husband Cabala.  That alone should make it exciting, but then add Batgirl in the Batcave and a prison break featuring six of the villains from Batman's Rogue's Gallery and you should have a classic - and yet, nothing.

Joining John to discuss an episode that's only thing that makes it stand out is the sexual innuendo is writer/editor Jim Beard of Gotham City 14 Miles.

NOTE: Thanks to listener David Maska for supplying us with the PSA that is featured at the start of this episode.

  

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history.

His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.

 

Websites

http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_Episode_68.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 12:01pm EDT
Comments[0]

Recorded on Facebook Live on Sunday, February 18, 2018.

 

The first season of Star Trek: Discovery is in the books and enough time has passed that we can have a spoiler filled discussion of what worked and what didn't.  John and guest, writer Julio Angel Ortiz, get into their favorite moments, episodes, and characters as well as discuss the fan reaction to the new series overall.  In addition, they offer their suggestions for a second season in 2019.  

 

Julio Angel Ortiz is a writer in both print and electronic media. Julio has had an audio drama released for the original sci-fi series The Dome and short stories published in collections by Obverse Books featuring Iris Wildthyme and Señor 105. He also has several eBooks available for Kindle via his Vox Camera imprint. When not banging his head against his notebook in order to string words together, Julio works in Information Technology during the day and is also active blogging, posting on Twitter, and working at his photography.

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_007.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 4:16pm EDT
Comments[0]

On “The Great Gildersleeve,” Gildy receives a visit from his old friends (and stars of their own radio show), Fibber McGee and Molly.  Knowing he’s in for some ribbing, Gildy tries to hide the fact that he’s engaged to be married.  Then on “X Minus One,” we have an adaptation of a classic bit of science fiction by Fredric Brown, “The Last Martian.”

 

 

Episodes

 

The Great Gildersleeve

January 10, 1943

“Fibber McGee and Molly Visit”

2:48

 

X Minus One

August 7, 1956

“The Last Martian”

32:45

Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, it took three new releases to dethrone the jungle. The king and queen are the torrid pair of Fifty Shades Freed, but they have only a mere week to enjoy their reign. Next week, we visit Wakanda and King T'challa, better known as the Black Panther. It's shaping up to be a big, marvelous adventure.

On the home entertainment front, physical media brings both Wonder and Roman J. Israel, Esq, while digital goes to Coco and the Justice League. TV on DVD explores the New York City sex industry with Deuce and time and space with the Peter Capaldi run of Doctor Who. After that, zombies gotta eat as we revisit the Night of the Living Dead. Finally, Denise wraps up the show with Game of Thrones and Star Wars, the end of the line (maybe) for Thor, and an update on the scandals rocking Hollywood.

Enjoy the journey, because it's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

This week's promo is for Geek Radio Daily.

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for February 13, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Black Panther

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Fifty Shades Freed – [New Release]
#2 – Peter Rabbit – [New Release]
#3 – The 15:17 to Paris – [New Release]
#4 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [-3]
#5 – The Greatest Showman – [-1]
#6 – Maze Runner: The Death Cure – [-4]

#7 – Winchester – [-4]
#8 – The Post – [-3]
#9 – The Shape of Water – [Even]
#10 – Den of Thieves – [-2]

 

Box Office Premieres

February 16, 2018: Wide

Black Panther – [PG-13]
Early Man – [PG]
Samson – [PG-13]

February 16, 2017: Limited

Aiyaary – [NR]
The Party – [R]
Loveless – [R]
Nostalgia – [R]
Oh Lucy! – [NR]
Double Lover – [NR]
Tehran Taboo – [NR]
The Boy Downstairs – [PG-13]
The Monkey King 3 – [NR]
Mind Game – [NR]
Western – [NR]

 

 

Home Entertainment

February 13, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Wonder – [PG]

Roman J. Israel, Esq. – [PG-13]

 

February 13, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Coco – [PG]

Justice League – [PG-13]

 

February 13, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Doctor Who: The Peter Capaldi Years (2014-2017)

The Deuce: Season One (2017)

The Lazarus Man: The Complete Series (1996)

 

February 13, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Night of the Living Dead (1968) – [NR]

 

Podcast Promos

Geek Radio Daily

Geek Radio Daily is a place for geeks and stealth geeks alike to hang out and talk about a variety of geeky topics. Check out the sometimes weekly podcast…..sWeekly, if you will.  The GRD sWeekly ‘cast is usually available on Mondays, and if you are new to the show, just jump right in!

 

 

Quick Flicks

Uma Thurman and Kill Bill
The State of New York vs Harvey Weinstein
Star Wars meets the producers of Game of Thrones
Chris Hemsworth is done with Thor (no he’s not)

 

 

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex021318B.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 6:55pm EDT
Comments[0]

Isis

"Lucky"

October 18, 1975

Randy is getting ready to enter high school and he's looking forward to it, even though it means leaving his dog Lucky behind during the day.  When Lucky drowns in the ocean during a beach party, Randy struggles with his loss.  And when he questions Isis for not using her powers to revive Lucky, Isis must teach him a lesson on life and death.

In the most heartwarming and heartbreaking episode of either series, John and Richard discuss the dealing with loss in one's life.  Plus, they also look at the first issue of DC Comics' The Mighty Isis comic book and rave about Joanna Cameron's acting in light of her performance in this episode.  In the end though, is this one of the best, if not the best episode of the series?  John and Richard are of mixed thoughts about this.

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: "Losing something we love is never easy, but it's a part of growing up.  Growing up doesn't mean just getting bigger and older, it means learning and understanding about life.  The cycle of life is all around us.  If you look, you'll see it everywhere - flowers, people, animals.  But remember, every ending is a beginning full of hope and promise and new life."

Guest Cast

John Doran as Randy Martin

Brian Nash as Glenn

Robert Forward as Dr. Herb Rogers

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_36.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 5:05pm EDT
Comments[0]

Recorded on Facebook Live

February 11, 2018

 

It’s the 25th anniversary of the release of the movie Groundhog’s Day. There is something about a time loop that fascinates most everyone, be it for the comedy or drama potential. We’re going to discuss just what makes a good time loop story and of course talk about Groundhog’s Daywith The Podcast Cowboy Clay Dugger and Denise Lhamon of The Weekly Podioplex.

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_006.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 2:22pm EDT
Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, the jungle returns as Winchester debuts in third place. This week, three differing genres will compete against the board game that will not die: Historical drama in The 15:17 to Paris, family comedy with Peter Rabbit, and thriller with Fifty Shades Freed. They get one week before Marvel arrives, so they have to make it count.

 

On the home entertainment front, Batman goes Victorian in Gotham By Gaslight. We also see Bad Moms surviving Christmas, the Darkest Hour on digital, and a plethora of retro classics on TV. We wrap up the home entertainment slate and the show overall with the HD debut of the adorable mutt Benji. 

 

Enjoy the journey, because it's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for February 6, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: The 15:17 to Paris

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [+1]
#2 – Maze Runner: The Death Cure– [-1]
#3 – Winchester – [New Release]
#4 – The Greatest Showman – [Even]
#5 – The Post – [Even]
#6 – Hostiles – [-3]

#7 – 12 Strong – [-1]
#8 – Den of Thieves – [-1]
#9 – The Shape of Water – [-1]
#10 – Paddington 2 – [-1]

 

Box Office Premieres

February 3, 2018: Wide

The 15:17 to Paris – [PG-13]
Peter Rabbit – [PG]
Fifty Shades Freed – [R]

February 3, 2017: Limited

Aiyaary – [NR]
Padman – [PG-13]
Before We Vanish – [NR]
La Bode de Valentina – [R]

 

 

Home Entertainment

February 6, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – [R]

A Bad Moms Christmas – [R]

Only the Brave – [PG-13]

 

February 6, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Darkest Hour – [PG-13]

 

February 6, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Homeland: Season Six (2017)

Bosom Buddies: The Complete Series (1980-1982)

The Guardian: The Complete Series (2001-2004)

Duckman: The Complete Series (1994-1997)

The Ren & Stimpy Show: The Mostly Complete Collection (1991-1996)

War of the Worlds: The Complete Series (1988-1990)

 

February 6, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Benji (1974) – [G]

 

Podcast Promos

Tuning in to SciFi TV

Tuning in to SciFi TV is the genre fan's weekly guide to science fiction and fantasy television. Think of us as the viewer’s digest, tour guides or sherpas for the genre rather than critics. We’ll always share our honest opinions but we also plan to keep things fun.

 

 

Quick Flicks

None

 

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex020618.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 4:06pm EDT
Comments[0]

"The Joker's Flying Saucer"

Aired February 29, 1968

The final Joker episode for Batman 66 is not exactly a fan favorite, but there are things of merit in the episode that are worth discussing. There were missed opportunities in a story that went beyond even the insanity of Joker surfing by having Joker build an unidentified flying object to terrorize Gotham City. And who is Verdigris?  Is being a Martian his shtick?  Is he just a bomb expert?  Or is he a bunko artist?

Joining John to discuss what could have been a two-part story based on the high concept ideas expressed but never fully realized is writer/editor Jim Beard of Gotham City 14 Miles.

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com. 

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Jim Beard was introduced to comic books at an early age by his father, who passed on to him a love for the medium and the pulp characters who preceded it. After decades of reading, collecting and dissecting comics, Jim became a published writer when he sold a story to DC Comics in 2002. Since that time he's written official Star Wars and Ghostbusters comic stories and contributed articles and essays to several volumes of comic book history. 

His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.

 

Websites

http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_Episode_66.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 9:08pm EDT
Comments[0]

"THE SECRET OF THE SALLY BELL"

AIRED: DECEMBER 9, 1966

The Sally Bell returns to dock after having mysteriously disappeared.  There's only one survivor who is now injured thanks to a Hornet's Sting.  With the aid of a doctor, the Hornet tries to protect the man from his comrades who are all trying to discover the secret of the Sally Bell.  John and Jim are back to being at odds over the merits of this particular episode.  They do both agree though that the character of Honey Boy is absolutely useless.  Take a listen and let us know what you think.

The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_012.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 4:54pm EDT
Comments[0]

Originally broadcast on Facebook Live on February 5, 2018.

It’s the 50th anniversary of the premiere of the original “Planet of the Apes” movie starrring Roddy McDowell as Cornelius. SInce then, there have been five movies in the original movie series, a cartoon, a TV series, various comic book series, a failed attempt at reviving the franchise in 2001, and a more successful revivial that continues to produce hit movies to this day.

We take a look at the history of this franchise with Dan Greenfield of 13thDimension.com, and writer Jim Beard. What stands out? What survives the test of time and what do we wish we could just say never happened? Considering the political climate today, what should future movies deal with in plotlines?

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_005-Podcast_of_the_Apes.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT
Comments[0]

Shazam!

"The Odd Couple"

October 18, 1975

 

Dan is much too proud to ever ask help from anyone to the point where he risks his and his girlfriend's lives.  But will he learn a lesson when he sees the World's Mightiest Mortal asking for help from the Champion of Truth and Justice?

 

Long before Hercules and Xena - long before Buffy and Angel - long before Steve Austin and Jaime Sommers, there was Captain Marvel and Isis.  It's the first of several team-ups featuring the two stars of our iconic Saturday morning TV shows.  The question is, is it all worth it?  Is the story worthy of such a meeting?  John and Richard discuss this as well as begin a series of reviews of the DC Comics Isis series from 1976-77.  They start with Isis' first appearance in Shazam! #25.

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: “There are a lot of things we can do by ourselves, but it's kind of foolish and maybe even dangerous to try to do something when we don't know how."

 

Guest Cast

Steve Benedict as Dan Haley

Cindy Eilbacher as Susie Walsh

&

Joanna Cameron as Andrea Thomas and Isis

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_35.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 6:00pm EDT
Comments[0]

Originally Broadcast on Facebook Live: January 28, 2018

 

Author, TV host, writer/producer Herbie J Pilato joins John to chat about his upcoming television show "Then Again with Herbie J Pilato" (premiering in 2018 on the Decades TV Network). We also discuss his creation of the Classic TV Preservation Society, his numerous written works on classic TV shows and actors, and his love for Elizabeth Montgomery and the television series, "Bewitched".

Plus, Daniel Persons reviews Stephen King's It 2017 and Have a Nice Day HD movie and John suggests a unique Valentine's Day gift.

It's all here on a new episode of The Chronic Rift!

 

Herbie's Links

Homepage

Classic TV Preservation Society

Herbie's TV Articles

Then Again Homepage

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_004.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 1:26pm EDT
Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, the Death Cure outlasted the jungle, but it's not all sunshine and roses on this side of the maze. The final Maze Runner film is a bit of a disappointment, and that stumble leaves the field wide open for mystery thriller Winchester. Young adult adaptation vs spooky haunted house? Who's the winner here?

 

On the home entertainment front, we get the history of Wonder Woman and her creator, Professor Marston. We also get Boo! 2 from Madea and a Wonder on digital. TV on DVD kicks in a queen with Victoria and a classic with the Pink Panther (and Henry Mancini's iconic brass). Denise wraps it all up with the Quick Flicks, telling us tale of Space Mom Carrie Fisher's final award, Indy 5, Doctor Sleep, and Elon Musk's supposed zombie apocalypse.

 

It's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for January 30, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Winchester

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Maze Runner: The Death Cure – [New Release]
#2 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [-1]
#3 – Hostiles – [+20, Wide Release]
#4 – The Greatest Showman – [+1]
#5 – The Post – [-1]
#6 – 12 Strong – [-4]

#7 – Den of Thieves – [-4]
#8 – The Shape of Water – [+8]
#9 – Paddington 2 – [-3]
#10 – Padmaavat – [New Release]

 

 

Box Office Premieres

February 3, 2018: Wide

Winchester – [PG-13]

February 3, 2017: Limited

A Fantastic Woman – [R]
The Cage Fighter – [NR]
Bilal: A New Breed of Hero – [PG-13]
A Ciambra – [NR]

Scorched Earth – [R]

 

 

Home Entertainment

January 30, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Professor Marston and the Wonder Women – [R]

Boo 2! A Madea Halloween – [PG-13]

 

January 30, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Wonder – [PG]

 

January 30, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

The Pink Panther Cartoon Collection: Volume One – 1964-1966 (1964-1966)

Victoria: Season Two (2017)

Ray Donovan: Season Five (2017)

 

January 30, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Class of 1999 (1990) – [NR]

 

Podcast Promos

Earth Station One

Earth Station One is a pop culture podcast & blog celebrating our love for all things Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comics & much, much more.

 

 

Quick Flicks

Carrie Fisher wins a posthumous Grammy Award
Elon Musk not creating a zombie apocalypse... promise!
Jennifer Hudson is Aretha Franklin in upcoming biopic
Indiana Jones 5 filming in 2019 with Steven Spielberg
Doctor Sleep, the sequel to The Shining, is coming to film

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex013018.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 7:39am EDT
Comments[0]

It’s February, and that means Valentines Day – or at least couples.  First up, it’s “Life With Luigi,” the adventures of a recent Italian immigrant in Chicago.  Luigi has a date for Valentine’s Day, and nothing could possibly go wrong.  Then on “Information Please,” there are two female guest panelists and lots of questions about couples:  separated couples, couples in literature, broken courtships, and even the phrase "ladies and gentlemen" are all covered.

 

Episodes

 

Life With Luigi

February 14, 1950

“Valentine’s Date at the Pump Room”

2:18

 

Information Please

April 5, 1943

Guests:  Jan Struther and Cornelia Otis Skinner

30:36

Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, we have a turkey in the jungle as Jumanji scores top marks for a third week running. This week, running is the theme as the final installment of The Maze Runner takes the starting line. It's proven champion versus young adult adaptation for the title. On marks, get set...

 

Teen Titans GO! That's right, home entertainment brings the young heroes to DVD this week alongside Gotham by Gaslight, Jigsaw and Geostorm. After that dose of DC, Denise gives us plenty of news in the Quick Flicks, including word from the Inhumans, Black Widow, Wonder Woman, The Witcher, and the Clue remake.

 

The Clue remake!? Flames. Flames... on the side of our faces... heaving breaths...

 

It's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for January 23, 2018

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Maze Runner: The Death Cure

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [Third Week]
#2 – 12 Strong – [New Release]
#3 – Den of Thieves – [New Release]
#4 – The Post – [-2]
#5 – The Greatest Showman – [-1]
#6 – Paddington 2 – [+1]

#7 – The Commuter – [-4]
#8 – Star Wars: The Last Jedi – [-2]
#9 – Insidious: The Last Key – [-4]
#10 – Forever My Girl – [New Release]

 

Box Office Premieres

January 26, 2018: Wide

Maze Runner: The Death Cure – [PG-13]
Hostiles – [R]

January 26, 2017: Limited

The Insult – [R]
Have a Nice Day – [NR]
Kickboxer: Retaliation – [R]
Padman – [PG-13]

 

Home Entertainment

January 23, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Jigsaw – [R]

Geostorm – [PG-13]

Thank You For Your Service – [R]

 

January 23, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Batman: Gotham by Gaslight – [R]

 

January 23, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Teen Titans: Season One (2003)

 

January 23, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969) – [R]

 

Podcast Promos

The Hollywood Outsider

The Hollywood Outsider Podcast is four guys who love the same things you do - Entertainment. Not always PC, but always entertaining, our Podcast is for people who LOVE movies & TV.

 

 

 

Quick Flicks

ABC has unofficially canceled Inhumans
Black Widow for 2020?
Wonder Woman 2 to utilize the new anti-sexual harassment guidelines
The Witcher has a pilot script
Ryan Reynolds and the Clue remake (Clue remake!?)
The Mighty Ducks quacks television

 

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex012318.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 11:01am EDT
Comments[0]

Episode 45—The A2s Always Were a Bit Twitchy

 

Science fiction writer Scott Pearson and his daughter, Ella, dive into Aliens (1986) for part three of their epic review of the entire Alien movie series. Remember, always listen to Ripley! 

 

 

Segments

Intro :28

First Reactions on Second Viewing :53

It’s a Long Movie/Director’s Cut 1:15

Alien vs. Aliens 2:40

Sci-Fi Soldiers 3:40

Opening Scenes 4:26 

Blue-Collar Space Worker 6:17

We Have to Talk About Vasquez 6:45

Burke the Corporate Toady 10:50

Jonesy 11:53

Ripley and PTSD 12:21

The Quotable Aliens 13:33

Boardroom Recap 13:58

What the Audience Knows 14:47

There are Aliens in Aliens 15:20

“The A2s Always Were a Bit Twitchy” 16:25

Bishop’s Hair 17:28

“Somebody Wake Up Hicks” 18:09

James Horner/The Wrath of Khan 18:50

A Rare Sequel 21:19

Motion Trackers 22:05

Listen to Ripley! 22:35

Newt 24:03

Facehugger Scuttling 24:48

Ripley’s Deleted Daughter 25:50

Punching Company Guys 27:27

Hicks is Steve Trevor 27:50

Deleted Daughter and Newt 28:35

“It Won’t Make Any Difference” 30:33

“What the Hell Are We Supposed to Use, Harsh Language?” 31:17 

Ripley Takes Charge 32:32

“Nuke the Entire Site from Orbit. It’s the Only Way to Be Sure” 33:55

“Game Over Man” 35:20

“They Mostly Come Out at Night. Mostly” 36:05

Newt’s Bedtime/“She’s Just a Piece of Plastic” 36:30

“It Was a Bad Call, Ripley” 36:48

Bishop in a Tube 37:30

Ripley and Hicks 39:25

Burke Releases the Facehuggers 40:27

Aliens in the Ceiling 42:26

“You Want Some of This” 43:31

Burke Gets His 43:50

The Redemption of Gorman 44:35

Newt Falls 45:18

Ripley Gears Up for Newt 46:15

Newt Screams 48:04

Queen’s Chamber 48:45

Threatening the Eggs 50:00

Queen on the Elevator 52:44

Where’s Bishop? 53:37

Queen Takes Bishop 54:25

Is Ripley an Ellen? 55:53

“Get Away From Her, You Bitch” 57:05

Bishop Saves Newt 58:13

“Mommy” 58:43

Newt’s Bedtime/“Will I Dream?” 59:25

More Deleted Scenes 1:00:02

Final Thoughts 1:01:45

Direct download: Ep._45.mp3
Category:Generations Geek -- posted at: 7:08am EDT
Comments[0]

John flies solo on this episode offering reviews from Dan Persons of Hour of the Wolf (movies - Mary and the Witch's Flower), Keith R.A. DeCandido (TV - Major Crimes) and himself (podcasts - Flip Florey's Super Saturday Board Game Serial. Special thanks to Dan Persons and Mike Fichera for hanging online and throwing in comments along the way.

 

Contents

 

Bringing it to the Table

3:30 - John likes the new Funko 3.75" Batman 66 figures.

8:50 - John loves the original Battlestar Galactica series on Blu-Ray, but questions how we can get Galactica 1980 in Blu-Ray, but not Six Million Dollar Man or Bionic Woman.

 

Reviews

12:55 - Dan Persons reviews the anime film Mary and the Witch's Flower.

27:30 - Keith DeCandido reviews Major Crimes and his happy with the new series, Black Lightning. 

40:30 - John reviews Flip Florey Super Saturday Board Game Serial.

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_003.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 1:30pm EDT
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On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, the jungle is still strong, defeating four effective new releases in its fourth week. Hitwomen, anthropomorphic bears, Liam Neeson... not even the Washington Post could stop Jumanji. This week sees another shot with 12 Strong soldiers in Afghanistan, a Den of Thieves facing off against the LAPD, and a country star coming home. Can anything stop the jungle?

 

Home entertainment brings replicants to battle in Blade Runner 2049, a slasher Groundhog Day in Happy Death Day, something disastrous in Geostorm, Better Call Saul, and a few retro classics to boot. Denise wraps it up with a short news cycle -- we blame January! -- covering Artemis Fowl, Snowpiercer, and Black Widow.

 

We also say goodbye to a good man and friend.

 

It's showtime on the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex011618.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 3:17pm EDT
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It's the 25th anniversary of the premiere of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.  Five years ago, we covered the anniversary with a two-part discussion of the series with author David Mack and actress Chase Masterson.  In celebration, John brings author Julio Angel Ortiz on board to talk about the show, in particular how it stands out amongst the other Trek series and how the new Discovery is closest in tone to DS9.

 


NOTE: The episode is shortened due to technical difficulties at the start of the show.  The audio brings us into the show already in progress.

 

Contents


0:00 - Bringing it to the Table - John talks about the Batman 66 exhibition at the Hollywood Museum and Julio talks about how The Disaster Artist is the perfect movie for the political climate we are currently.

13:10 - John and Julio talk Deep Space Nine.

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_002.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 6:21pm EDT
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Happy New Year! On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, we welcome 2018 with a new champion as the jungle overtook the Jedi. Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle made big news for stars Kevin Hart and Dwayne Johnson, but it has hairy competition this week as Paddington returns to theaters alongside Liam Neeson on a train and Taraji P. Henson as a hitwoman.

Home entertainment rings in the new year with killer clowns, Supreme Court justices, and a Scooby Doo-Batman team-up for the ages. Denise joins the party with word of Netflix sequels, Captain Marvel casting, Fox's tone in a post-Disney world, and The Animaniacs! Hello Nurse... maybe? Reboots are just about as tricky as the nations song.

We also make a couple of changes to refresh the show as we arrive in 2018 and ready to rock. This is the Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex010918.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 3:47pm EDT
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First up, on “Dragnet,” a movie set is the scene of a murder.  Jack Webb’s Sergeant Friday hits the soundstage and talks with gaffers, best boys, and directors while investigating a murder that puts the tarnish on Tinseltown.  Then on “You Bet Your Life,” Groucho interviews two doctors -- one for people and one for the birds.  Later, there’s a woman who met her husband while selling underwear door-to-door and an engaged couple who work at the same department store.

Episodes

 

Dragnet

 

November 2, 1952

 

“The Big Light”

 

2:45

 

 

You Bet Your Life

 

December 7, 1949

 

“The Secret Word is Dust”

 

32:37

Direct download: PTF_-_DRAGNET_and_YOU_BET_YOUR_LIFE.mp3
Category:Presenting the Transcription Feature -- posted at: 8:03am EDT
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The Chronic Rift makes a comeback in 2018! (Why not? Everything else is. If American Idol can do it, why can’t we? Don’t answer that!)

 

You can join in the fun by being a part of the chat and we may use your comments on air. Join us every Sunday, live on Facebook at 9AM EST for The Chronic Rift.  The audio from the live cast will be available on the network feed.

 

Check out the front page of the homepage, our Facebook page, or Youtube in order to watch the video of the cast.John S. Drew is joined by author and podcaster Kevin Lauderdale (Presenting the Transcription Feature) in what is hopefully going to be the first of a weekly video podcast. In the first episode John and Kevin bring some things they are excited about to the table. And then, they talk about what they are looking forward to in pop culture for 2018.

 

1:10 - Here's the Thing - John explains why a video show on Facebook.


4:10 - Kevin brings Tales from the Canyons of the Damned #19 in which he has a story in.  He relates the origins of the online magazine which Kevin has contributed to several issues.  Get your copy by clicking on the link.

 

10:48 - John talks up his Home Game Show Version Podcast and his love of game shows which you can see or listen to on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

13:30 - Podcast Promos - Geek Radio Daily, The Batcave Podcast, Generations Geek, The Weekly Podioplex

 

17:18 - What are we excited about in pop culture in 2018?

Direct download: The_Chronic_Rift_001.mp3
Category:The Chronic Rift Podcast -- posted at: 3:04pm EDT
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The vid-cast is back and with a new twist for the new year.  The show is being recorded live on Facebook via the Home Game Show Podcast page.  If you're on Facebook, follow the page for when new episodes are going live.

 

In this episode, we're looking at Password.  The game has run on and off television on all three networks since the early 1960's.  And yet, it's got one of the most simple premises - guess the word via a series of one word clues.  But the real secret to the success of Password is the celebrities who would come on to play.

 

John takes a brief look at the history of the series and shows off some of the home versions that are available, including Endless Games' Second Edition of the game that will be the focus of our gameplay next episode.


Plus, we watch an episode of the 60s version with Elizabeth Montgomery and Martin Landau.

Direct download: 10000000_904519556390335_7536714014366105600_n.mp4
Category:Home Game Show Version Podcast -- posted at: 3:22pm EDT
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"I'll Be a Mummy's Uncle"

Aired February 22, 1968

 

We come to the last King Tut episode of the Batman 66 series and out of all the characters in the series, John has always struggled with his view of the Mad Monarch.  There is much to praise in this stand alone story, but there is also much to note as simply bad.  Tut manages to confirm that Bruce and Batman are one in the same and it's a battle royale in the Batcave to stop him from revealing it to the world.

Joining John to discuss the good and the bad of this episode, to lament the last appearance of the Batman fight theme, and to discuss the possibilities of a fourth season are writers/editors Robert Greenberger and Jim Beard of Gotham City 14 Miles.

 

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

Greenberger was born in Brooklyn in New York City, the son of Edwin L. Greenberger and Joan Greenberger. A lifelong fan of comic books, comic strips, science fiction and Star Trek, he drifted towards writing and editing, encouraged by his father and inspired by Superman’s alter ego, Clark Kent.

While at SUNY-Binghamton, Greenberger wrote and edited for the college newspaper, Pipe Dream, moving from general assignment writer to Arts Editor, Managing Editor and ultimately Editor-in-Chief.  He served an internship at Gannett’s Binghamton Sun-Bulletin as a feature writer and reviewer.

 

Upon graduation, he worked for Starlog Press as Managing Editor ofFangoria.  He was also an Associate Editor for Starlog and while there, created Comics Scene, the first nationally distributed magazine to focus on comic books, comic strips and animation.  The magazine lasted 11 issues before its first cancellation at which time Greenberger went to work on their sports magazines.

 

In 1984, he joined DC Comics as an Assistant Editor, working with Len Wein and Marv Wolfman on DC’s Golden Anniversary projects Who’s WhoandCrisis on Infinite Earths.  He went on to act as assistant editor to numerous titles for each editor until he was promoted to editor.  During his tenure, his titles included Star Trek, Suicide Squad, Warlord, Doom Patrol, Lois Lane, Action Comics Weekly, Time Masters, Secret Origins, The Hacker Files and others.

 

By 1990, he had given up editing to become the company’s Editorial Coordinator, helping grow the Editorial Administration department.  When he left the company, he was Manager-Editorial Operations.

In March 2000, he left DC to become a Producer for Gist Communications, television news and listings web site. After ten months there, he learned some new skills and got out before the dotcom bubble burst.

In January 2001, he joined Marvel Comics as Director-Publishing Operations.  During his year with the company, he oversaw editorial schedules, Production, Manufacturing, the Print Library, and other departments.

 

In January 2002, he left Marvel and rejoined DC in May 2002 as a Senior Editor-Collected Editions.  He helped grow that department, introducing new formats and improving the editions’ editorial content. He also managed DC’s ElfQuest publishing program.

He left DC in January 2006, becoming a freelance writer and editor.  His clients included Weekly World News, Platinum Studios, scifi.com, DC and Marvel. By June, he was offered the post of Managing Editor at Weekly World News where he helped transition the newspaper from being produced jointly in Florida and New York to just NYC.

When the paper folded in August 2007, he resumed his freelance career which continues to this date.  Along the way, he helped revitalize Famous Monsters of Filmland and served as News Editor at ComicMix from August through December 2008.

 

He is a member of the Science Fiction Writers of America and the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers.  He served on the final Nebula Short Fiction Jury.

 

 

His prose work includes GOTHAM CITY 14 MILES, a book of essays on the 1966 Batman TV series; SGT. JANUS, SPIRIT-BREAKER, a collection of pulp ghost stories featuring an Edwardian occult detective; MONSTER EARTH, a giant monster anthology; and CAPTAIN ACTION: RIDDLE OF THE GLOWING MEN, the first pulp prose novel based on the classic 1960s action figure.

Currently, Jim provides regular content for Marvel.com, the official Marvel Comics website, and is a regular columnist for Toledo Free Press.

 

Websites

http://www.facebook.com/thebeardjimbeard

http://www.sgtjanus.blogspot.com

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_65.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 8:54am EDT
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"DEADLINE FOR DEATH"

AIRED: DECEMBER 2, 1966

John and Jim are back to being at odds with this episode.  Mike Axford is accused of a murder he didn't commit and the Hornet has to prove his innocence.  John found that the episode was slow to start, but picked up in pace greatly as it moved along.  Plus, it has another challenge for the Black Beauty and Kato gets to use the Hornet's Sting.

The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson is a reference work we're consulting as we move through the series.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_011.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 9:54am EDT
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For New Year’s, we sum up all of 1939.  First it’s “Information Please” from January of that year.  The guest is Alexander Wolcott, the inspiration for the titular character in our previous episode, “The Man Who Came to Dinner.”  The panelists take questions from columnist Walter Winchell, make up poker hands from Mother Goose, and identify famous generals.  Then on the “The Jack Benny Show” it’s New Year’s Eve.  Jack has a date, but forces conspire to prevent him from keeping it.  Western star Andy Devine drops by to talk about taking his parents to Phil Harris’ wild late show.

 

Episodes

 

Information Please

January 10 1939

Guest:  Alexander Wolcott

2:22

  

The Jack Benny Show

December 31,1939

“Gladys Zybisco Disappoints Jack on New Year’s Eve”

33:19

Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, we close out the year with a triple header and the return of the Jedi. Star Wars: The Last Jedi set a lot of second place records... and a lot of fanboy teeth on edge. Whichever way the lightsaber cuts, it's a win for Disney. This week's premieres, including the third outing for Pitch Perfect's bellas and a remake of Jumanji, will try to unseat the box office champ, but will the Force be with them?

 

Home entertainment brings several big titles home in time for the holidays, including Dunkirk, LEGO Ninjago, Blade Runner 2049, and The Mountain Between Us. TV on DVD visits Duckburg with the new DuckTales, as well as the last season of Dirk Gently. After that, Denise gives you news of Night Vale on TV, Watergate on Netflix, The Rock on the walk, and Sir Ian McKellan on the prowl.

 

From your friends at The Weekly Podioplex and The Chronic Rift Network,

have a happy, warm, and safe holiday season. We'll see you in 2018!

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for December 19, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Pitch Perfect 3

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Star Wars: The Last Jedi – [New Release]
#2 – Ferdinand – [New Release]
#3 – Coco – [-2]
#4 – Wonder – [-1]
#5 – Justice League – [-3]
#6 – Daddy’s Home 2 – [Even]

#7 – Thor: Ragnarok – [-2]
#8 – The Disaster Artist – [-4]
#9 – Murder on the Orient Express – [-2]
#10 – Lady Bird – [-1]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
2007 – National Treasure: Book of Secrets
1997 – Titanic
1987 – Eddie Murphy Raw
1977 – Saturday Night Fever
 

Box Office Premieres

December 22, 2017: Wide

Pitch Perfect 3 – [PG-13]
Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – [PG-13]
Downsizing – [R]
Father Figures – [R]

December 22, 2017: Limited

The Post – [PG-13]
Happy End – [R]

December 29, 2017: Wide

The Greatest Showman – [PG]
All the Money in the World – [R]

December 29, 2017: Limited

Molly’s Game – [R]
Phantom Thread – [R]
Film Stars Don’t Die in Liverpool – [R]

January 5, 2018: Wide

Insidious: The Last Key – [PG-13]

January 5, 2018: Limited

None

 

 

Home Entertainment

December 19, 2017: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Dunkirk – [PG-13]

mother! – [R]

The LEGO Ninjago Movie – [PG]

Stronger – [R]

 

December 26, 2017: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

The Mountain Between Us – [PG-13]

Flatliners – [PG-13]

Manhunt: Unabomber – [TV-14]

 

January 2, 2018: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

American Made – [R]

 

December 19, 2017: New Releases on Digital Video

American Made – [R]

 

December 26, 2017: New Releases on Digital Video

Blade Runner 2049 – [R]

 

January 2, 2018: New Releases on Digital Video

Geostorm – [PG-13]

 

December 19, 2017: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Ducktales: Volume One – Woo-Oo!  (2017)

Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency: Season Two (2017)

 

December 26, 2017: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Acceptable Risk: Series One (2017)

 

January 2, 2018: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

None

 

December 19, 2017: Blu-Rays From the Past 

The Kentuckian (1955) – [NR]

 

December 26, 2017: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Fletch Lives (1989) – [PG]

 

January 2, 2018: Blu-Rays From the Past 

The Tuskegee Airmen (1995) – [PG-13]

 

 

Podcast Promos

Full of Sith

The Full of Sith Podcast is a show dedicated to bringing the most interesting Star Wars conversations in the galaxy with hosts Bryan Young, Tha Mike Pilot, and Holly Frey.

 

Earth Station Who
Earth Station Who is a show dedicated to the culture around the BBC icon Doctor Who. Join Mike F, Mike G, and Mary Ogle as we explore the 50-year history and fandom surrounding the Doctor with reviews, interviews, and general discussions about the show. Be prepared for surprises, though; you never know WHO might pop up as a guest on Earth Station Who!

 

 

Quick Flicks

Welcome to Night Vale moves from podcast to television
George Clooney and Netflix ponder Watergate
The Rock gets a Hollywood star
Sir Ian McKellen is possessive of Gandalf

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex121917.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 8:15pm EDT
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We present two Christmas-themed comedy programs this time.  First up, on “The Bob Hope Show,” guest Gregory Peck debates with Bob about who’s the handsomer.  Then Bob tries to buy a cheap Christmas tree.  On “The Great Gildersleeve,” Gildy spends considerable time and effort selecting just the right present for his old pal Fibber McGee.  Enjoy these broadcasts – which aired exactly seven years apart, as it happens – while trimming your tree or wrapping your gifts.

 

 

Episodes

 

The Bob Hope Show


December 21, 1948

 

Guest:  Gregory Peck

 

4:15

 

 

 

The Great Gildersleeve

 

December 21, 1941

 

 “Christmas Gift for Fibber McGee”

 

 35:51

Comments[0]

On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, destiny is coming. Coco scored a box office turkey (just like Moana) and is about to hand the crown to a new Star Wars story (just like Moana). It's a Disney month, but that isn't stopping Warner Bros. and the limited release The Disaster Artist from making their respective marks on 2017. In home entertainment, the Kingsmen come home, as does a plethora of televised entertainment including Game of Thrones, Fuller House, Luke Cage, and Viper. Yes, I said Viper. It's like a low budget Knight Rider and it's delightfully '90s kitsch. 

Denise puts the stamp on the envelope with news of 2019's coming attractions, including The Witcher, The Twilight Zone, and The Phantom Tollbooth. Also, will you please leave David Harbour and Ron Perlman alone? All of that and a bit more make up a brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex121217.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 9:41am EDT
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Isis

"Rockhound's Roost"

October 11, 1975

 

Kevin is a young student who tries to avoid any of his responsibilities at any cost.  But he goes too far when forges his father's name on a permission slip to avoid a cleanup job at home.  On the trip, Kevin continues to shirk his responsibilities and decides to run away before getting caught.  The problem is he brings along a fellow student named Fabian.  Will the two become lost or even worse or can Isis find them in time?

 

John and Richard discuss this episode in detail and also talk about how the episode is important for today's youth who many do not accept their responsibilities.  Plus, what is the deal with the bear?  It's pretty bad, even for Isis/Shazam standards.

 

 It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

 

Moral: "Being responsible means knowing the right thing to do an doing it."

Guest Cast

Steven Paul as Kevin McCauley

Thomas Carter as Fabian

Bill DeLand as Mr. McCauley

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_34.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 6:27pm EDT
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On this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, it's all quiet before the return of the Jedi. Coco is your champion once again with the limited newbies making a decent but not Top Ten worthy showing. This week, Coco faces off against The Shape of Water and Just Getting Started in one last bid for box office superiority. In home entertainment, Despicable Me returns alongside The Simpsons, Fargo, and Twin Peaks. After another holiday horror from the past, Denise brings it all to a close with news of Tarantino, Abrams, and Meyer on Trek, Johnson on Wars, and House of Cards without Spacey.

 

It's another short release list, but it's still here for you on a brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for December 5, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: The Shape of Water

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Coco – [Second Week]
#2 – Justice League – [Even]
#3 – Wonder – [Even]
#4 – Thor: Ragnarok – [Even]
#5 – Daddy’s Home 2 – [Even]
#6 – Murder on the Orient Express – [Even]

#7 – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – [+3]
#8 – Lady Bird – [+3]
#9 – The Star – [-2]
#10 – A Bad Moms Christmas – [-2]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – Skyfall
2007 – The Golden Compass
1997 – Flubber
1987 – Three Men and a Baby
1977 – The Goodbye Girl
 

Box Office Premieres

December 1, 2017: Wide

The Shape of Water – [R]
Just Getting Started – [PG-13]

December 1, 2017: Limited

I, Tonya – [R]
November Criminals – [PG-13]
Big Sonia – [NR]

 

 

Home Entertainment

December 5, 2017: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Despicable Me 3 – [PG]

 

December 5, 2017: New Releases on Digital Video

Stronger – [R]

 

December 5, 2017: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

The Simpsons: Season Eighteen (2006)

Fargo: Season Three (2017)

Twin Peaks: Season Three – A Limited Event Series (2017)

 

December 5, 2017: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984) – [R]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

The Dead Robots Society

The Dead Robots’ Society was created by Justin Macumber in an effort to offer advice and support to other aspiring writers. All the hosts, current and former, have writing experience of some kind. They gather on a weekly basis to share stories of their individual journeys and discuss topics important to the world of writing. Occasional forays into the territories of brown dragons, taco eating cowboy space ninjas, or random discussions involving monkeys are all considered rumor at best and none of the hosts are willing to admit any of that actually happened.

 

 

Quick Flicks

Quentin Tarantino meets Star Trek?
Nicholas Meyer is actively pursuing a new Star Trek project
Rian Johnson’s new Star Wars trilogy not the Knights of the Old Republic
Bryan Singer fired from Bohemian Rhapsody
House of Cards continues, but without Kevin Spacey

 

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex120517.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 11:16am EDT
Comments[0]

“The Man Who Came to Dinner” was a 1939 Broadway comedy written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.  It has since become a classic.  When radio commentator and professional wit Sheridan Whiteside is visiting a prominent family in a small town in Ohio a few weeks before Christmas, he injures himself and is confined to their house for a month.  He may be stuck but the show must go on.  “Sherry,” as his friends call him, continues to run his business, see friends and associates, and drive his nice suburban hosts crazy.  This one-hour adaptation stars Clifton Webb and Lucille Ball.

 

Episodes

 

Lux Radio Theater

March 27 1950

“The Man Who Came to Dinner”

5:58

Comments[0]

On a this week's edition of The Weekly Podioplex, we return to a world where the Justice League almost made it two for two, but the superior power of Disney and Pixar is hard to beat. Coco is your champion, and with only limited releases on the slate for this week's newbies, there's hardly any stopping a repeat performance. Home entertainment is equally sparse, highlighting Logan Lucky, Get Out, the second installment of the Kingsman adventures, and the return of the Gilmore Girls.

 

To wrap it all up, Denise talks Tolkien in a Lord of the Rings-apalooza! It's a short slate, but it's still a brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for November 28, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: The Disaster Artist

 

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Coco – [New Release]
#2 – Justice League – [-1]
#3 – Wonder – [-1]
#4 – Thor: Ragnarok – [-1]
#5 – Daddy’s Home 2 – [-1]
#6 – Murder on the Orient Express – [-1]

#7 – The Star – [-1]
#8 – A Bad Moms Christmas – [-1]
#9 – Roman J. Israel, Esq. – [+28]
#10 – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri – [-1]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
2007 – Enchanted
1997 – Flubber
1987 – Three Men and a Baby
1977 – Close Encounters of the Third Kind
 

Box Office Premieres

December 1, 2017: Wide

None

 

December 1, 2017: Limited

The Disaster Artist – [R]
Wonder Wheel – [PG-13]
Padmavati – [NR]
The Shape of Water – [R]
The Tribes of Palos Verdes – [R]
Love Beats Rhymes – [R]
Gangster Land – [NR]
Another WolfCop – [NR]

Naples ‘44 – [NR]

Slumber – [R]
Drawing Home – [NR]

Shadowman – [NR]

 

 

Home Entertainment

November 28, 2017: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Logan Lucky – [PG-13]

Get Out – [R]

 

November 28, 2017: New Releases on Digital Video

Kingsman: The Golden Circle – [R]

 

November 28, 2017: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (2016)

 

November 28, 2017: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Misery (1990) – [R]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

Geek Radio Daily

Geek Radio Daily is a place for geeks and stealth geeks alike to hang out and talk about a variety of geeky topics. Check out the somtimes weekly podcast…..sWeekly, if you will.  The GRD sWeekly ‘cast is usually available on Mondays, and if you are new to the show, just jump right in!

 

 

Quick Flicks

The Lord of the Rings-apalooza!

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex112817.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 3:25pm EDT
Comments[0]

"The Great Escape/The Great Train Robbery"

Aired February 1/8, 1968

 

It's the final two-part story for Batman 66.  It's also the final appearance of Cliff Robertson as Shame.  And it's a shame, really.  (Pun intended)  This episode has almost all the elements that make it feel like a second season episode rather than a third.  The only thing missing is a proper death trap.  So why did it take so long to come up with something like this?  Was it the fact that it was an established character that had proven popular?  Was it Stanley Ralph Ross' writing?  And what was with Adam West's poor man's Gary Cooper impression?

 

Joining John to discuss what worked and what didn't work in this story that made us long for the good old days is podcaster, The Hunnic Outcast.

 

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

 

HunnicOutcasts offers a variety of podcasts.  Whether it's unscripted/off the cuff or an in depth discussion, regarding T.V. films, literature, and/or video games.  

 

Learn more at 

 

https://www.facebook.com/hunnicoutcasts

https://www.facebook.com/groups/hunnicoutcasts/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/hunnicoutcasts/id913787694?mt=2

http://www.spreaker.com/show/hunnicoutcasts

Twitter @hunnicoutcasts

http://www.geekcastradio.com/show-guide/syndicated-shows/hunnic-outcast-podcast

http://tangentboundnetwork.com/network-shows/

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_64.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 7:14pm EDT
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The Web Planet

Production: N

Airdates: February 13 - March 20, 1965

The TARDIS materializes on the planet Vortis, a world with a rarified atmosphere and a population of alien insects.  The time travelers are drawn into a conflict with the inhabitants, all being manipulated by an outside force.

This six parter was a tough one to get through and John isn't shy to point this out, but that's about all he can say about it.  What do you think of the story?  Perhaps you have a different opinion.  Leave your thoughts here and perhaps you can show John the error of his ways.

Current Rankings

1 - Dalek Invasion of Earth

2 - Marco Polo

3 - The Daleks

4 - The Aztecs

5 - The Romans

6 - An Unearthly Child

7 - The Reign of Terror

8 - Edge of Destruction

9 - The Rescue

10 - Planet of Giants

11- Keys of Marinus

12 - The Sensorites

13 - The Web Planet

Direct download: DWMD_-_The_Web_Planet.mp3
Category:Doctor Who & Mister Drew -- posted at: 6:00am EDT
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"THE HUNTERS AND THE HUNTED"

AIRED: NOVEMBER 25, 1966

 

John and Jim find themselves reaching for things to even talk about this episode.  A group of wealthy industrialists gather to hunt the most dangerous game and they've set their sights on the Hornet and Kato.  It sounds like a great plot, but the execution leaves much to be desired.  Instead, the two spend more time talking about the salary disparities of the cast members of the show and those of Batman thanks to some trivia from The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

 

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_010.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 9:35am EDT
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We present two comedies, both Thanksgiving-themed, and both featuring the perils of trying to save money by buying a live turkey.  First on "Our Miss Brooks," teachers never have enough money, so Connie tries to work herself and her date into a big dinner with all the fixings at her principal’s house.  Then on “The Jack Benny Program,” you can trust Jack to try to save a few pennies by getting his turkey the hard way.  And it turns out to be even harder than he anticipated.

 

 

 

Episodes

 

 

Our Miss Brooks

 

November 19, 1950

 

“Thanksgiving Turkey”

 

2:01

 

 

 

The Jack Benny Program

 

November 29, 1953

 

“Thanksgiving Dinner”

 

32:40

Comments[0]

On a special double digest edition of The Weekly Podioplex, we welcome the Thanksgiving holiday with two weeks in one show. This week's newbies were neck and neck, but they couldn't defeat the power of Thor and Ragnarok. This week, the marvelous God of Thunder faces off against DC Comics and the Justice League. If they're not enough, perhaps the heart-touching Wonder can sway the Odinson. Or perhaps, if they fail, Pixar and the tale of Coco? We shall see.

 

Home entertainment goes wild with Atomic Blonde, Valerian, Doctor Who and the final adventures of the Twelfth, Red Dwarf. TV also goes old school with the Dukes of Hazzard, The Incredible Hulk, and the last edition of the classic MST3K. Keep circulating the tapes.

 

After that, Denise covers the plethora of Disney and Star Wars news, says goodbye to Higgins, and almost dies from laughter as the mummy kills the monsters. It's showtime on a brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex111417.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 8:59pm EDT
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On The Weekly Podioplex, the start of the holiday movie season was welcomed with thunderous acclaim as Thor: Ragnarok shook the box office and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This week, the son of Odin and his compatriots will hold the line against the star-studded remake of Murder on the Orient Express and another shot at Daddy's Home. Can Thor withstand the power of Hercule Poirot?

Home entertainment revs engines from top to bottom with Cars 3 and Speed Racer. The middle of the pack includes Valerian on digital, The Crown and Westworld, and a megapack of DC original animated movies. After that heart-pounding excitement, Denise gives us word of several exciting television prospects, including a Paperback Princess and a return to The Lord of the Rings. Altogether, it's brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex110717.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 8:12am EDT
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Real-life bandleader for “The Jack Benny Show,” Phil Harris, and his wife, Alice Faye, had their own sitcom radio show during the 1940s – 50s.  Accompanied by his pal Frankie Remley (or is that Elliott Lewis?  Listen and all will be explained.), Harris would stumble into problems surpassed only by the team of Flintstone and Rubble.  This time around, it’s the infamous traffic in Los Angeles that will be the guys’ undoing.  Then it’s time to see what you remember from school.  On “College Quiz Bowl” we cover music, witches, and international capitals.

  

Episodes

 

 

The Phil Harris – Alice Faye Show

 

November 27, 1953

 

“The Traffic Problem in Los Angeles”

 

4:56

 

 

College Quiz Bowl

 

November 27, 1954

 

“Minnesota vs Smith”

 

34:59

Comments[0]

Episode 44—Special Order 937

Science fiction writer Scott Pearson and his daughter, Ella, revisit the original Alien (1979) as they continue their epic review of the entire Alien movie series. Scott tries to live in a world where the prequels don’t exist, but Ella’s love of Walter keeps Covenant alive, making some comparing and contrasting with the classic film unavoidable!

 

Segments

Intro :28

Nothing Happened Before Alien :55

Opening Shots 1:30 

Real People, Real Scary 2:20

Creepy Sounds 4:24

Wakey, Wakey 5:15

Model Landing 6:15

Are There Other Aliens? 7:12

That Is NOT a Spacesuit 9:59

Don’t Stick Your Face in That Thing 10:38

Listen To Ripley, People 12:35

Introducing Sigourney Weaver 13:35

Facehugger 15:40

Chestburster 18:50

Space Monster Context 19:29

Alien as Slasher Movie 21:03

Part of the Ship or Dolly Track? 23:08

Brett and Jonesy and Dallas 24:30

Ash Freaks Out 27:37

Lambert Has a Bad Day 29:20

Watching for Decades 30:23

Okay, There Were Prequels 31:37

What Makes an Alien Movie? 36:25

Questions You Didn’t Ask, Answers You Don’t Want 38:10

Imagine a Sensible Prequel 38:56

Could You Have an Alien Film Without the Alien? 40:02

Daniels and Walter in Covenant 42:45

Run, Ripley, Run 44:04

Slasher’s Last Slash 44:51

Our Cat Cameos as Jonesy 45:48

Life Cycles and Cocoons  45:52

Direct download: GenGeek44.mp3
Category:Generations Geek -- posted at: 4:32pm EDT
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On The Weekly Podioplex, it was another slow week at the box office, but that was okay for audiences who wanted scares because Jigsaw was ready and willing. It wasn't pretty, but it did the job. This week should see a turn on those low receipts with the return of the god of thunder Thor as he faces Ragnarok.

 

Home entertainment takes a trip to The Dark Tower, ventures down Wind River, and brings complete sets of Orphan Black and Sherlock. It's a good week for television from the BBC. After that, Denise brings us word of meaty Aquaman tales, Stranger Things producers on the CW, a monsterpalooza, and a drain on your wallets. There you have it: A brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

(Good luck all you crazy NaNoWriMo challengers! We salute you.)

Direct download: Podioplex103117.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 7:18am EDT
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On The Weekly Podioplex, it was a slow week at the box office, and Madea took advantage over low critical ratings. In fact, none of the newbies scored particularly well, which makes us wonder if horror revival Jigsaw, dark comedy thriller Suburbicon, or military drama Thank You For Your Service can ascend to the top spot instead. Home entertainment is equally light, offering War for the Planet of the Apes, Atomic Blonde, Teen Wolf, and two retro thrillers among some other fare.  

 

Wrap it all up with Denise and news of Hollywood's sexual assault cases, ThinkGeek emptying your wallets, and more, and you have a brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex102417.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 2:57pm EDT
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On “The Jack Benny Show,” Jack has a terrible time trying to listen to the 1950 World Series.  When he’s not being interrupted by visitors, his radio keeps jumping between a performance of “Bali Hai” and a boxing match from the 1920s.  Then “X Minus One” adapts Ray Bradbury’s classic short story, “The Veldt.”  How real is too real for the television of the future?

Episodes

 

The Jack Benny Show

 

October 8, 1950

 

“Jack Listens to the World Series and the Dempsey-Tunney Fight”

 

4:10

 

X Minus One

 

August 4, 1955

 

“The Veldt”

 

36:14

Comments[0]

On The Weekly Podioplex, it was a good week to die over and over again as Happy Death Day wowed audiences and critics alike. This week, it hopes to survive against the combined might of a Geostorm, firefighters, a spiritual film, a snowman mystery, and another Madea Halloween. Home entertainment offers some solace if none of those is quite your jam as Spider-Man swings home on DVD. Streaming brings The Dark Tower, Target offers Stranger Things, and The Good Place and Batman are solid. 

 

After that, Denise wraps it up with the Quick Flicks as she talks Snoke, Movies Anywhere, sexual harassment tested against The Rock, and more. That's all on this brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex101717.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 7:22pm EDT
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On The Weekly Podioplex, Blade Runner took charge, but it was a disappointing performance. This week brings historical biopics, action, and a slasher Groundhog Day to fight the replicants. Home entertainment brings driving action and caped crusaders, followed by historical television and an early start to Christmas. In the holiday's defense, this week's 70th anniversary film is a classic. 

 

After that, Denise brings it all to a close with a James Cameron festival. Buckle up, because she's taking him to task on a brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex100917.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 7:36pm EDT
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On The Weekly Podioplex, the clown and the Kingsmen waged a close war for first, leaving all of the newbies in the dust. This week, both of the meet their match in the return of Blade Runner. There are also ponies and plane crashes, but come on. It's Blade Runner.

 

Home entertainment brings pirates, killer dolls, and the Book of Henry before diving into House of Cards, American Horror Story, 2 Broke Girls, and iZombie. But the big news this week is Superman and the much anticipated three-hour extended cut on blu-ray. 

 

After that, Denise brings it all to a close with news of Cleopatra, Hocus Pocus, a Game of Thrones (hopefully not red) wedding, and a revision of Hocus Pocus. All of that on a brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for October 3, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Blade Runner 2049

 


Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Kingsman: The Golden Circle – [Second Week]
#2 – It – [Even]
#3 – American Made – [New Release]
#4 – The LEGO Ninjago Movie – [-1]
#5 – Flatliners – [New Release]
#6 – Battle of the Sexes – [+10]

#7 – American Assassin – [-3]
#8 – Home Again – [-2]
#9 – Til Death Do Us Part – [New Release]
#10 – mother! – [-5]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – Taken 2
2007 – The Game Plan
1997 – Kiss the Girls
1987 – Fatal Attraction
1977 – Star Wars

 

Box Office Premieres

October 6, 2017: Wide

Blade Runner 2049 – [R]

My Little Pony: The Movie – [PG]

The Mountain Between Us – [PG-13]

 

October 6, 2017: Limited

The Florida Project – [R]
Una – [R]
Dina – [NR]
Walking Out – [PG-13]

 

Home Entertainment

October 3, 2017: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – [PG-13]

Cult of Chucky – [R]

The Book of Henry – [PG-13]

 

October 3, 2017: New Releases on Digital Video

Sharknado 5: Global Swarming – [NR]

 

October 3, 2017: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

House of Cards: Season Five (2017)

American Horror Story: Season Six - Roanoke (2016)
2 Broke Girls: Season Six (2016)
2 Broke Girls: The Complete Series (2011-2017)

iZombie: Season Three (2015)

 

October 3, 2017: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Superman: The Movie (1978) – [PG]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

The Quantum Leap Podcast

The Quantum Leap Podcast is a Barren Space Production with the purpose of exploring the Quantum Leap Universe episode by episode.  This podcast will cover all five seasons of one of the best television shows of all time by delving into all 96 episodes one by one and not spoiling upcoming plot points so first timers can follow along. We will be doing approximately two shows per month taking about three years. We will dissect each and every show looking for the meanings morals and lessons we can learn while keeping track of the overall arc of the show.

 

 

Quick Flicks

 

Sony taking on a Cleopatra biopic
Liam Neeson un-retired (!)
Jon Snow and Ygritte get hitched in real life
Hugh Hefner died at age 91
Tim Miller talks exit from Deadpool 2
Hocus Pocus remake

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex100217.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 8:20am EDT
Comments[0]

On The Weekly Podioplex, a sewer-dwelling clown was kicked to the curb by the Kingsmen. Both titles were clear winners this week, though time will tell if the Golden Circle will hold up to the legacy of the Secret Service. This week, both clown and Kingsman get a challenge from Tom Cruise: Drug Runner, a remake of Flatliners (mmmm, Bacon), a tale of domestic abuse, and a question of faith.  

 

Home entertainment opens with another Transformers spectacle, a tale of sharks vs. oxygen, and the return of Spider-Man doing everything a spider can. Television ups the ante with some Shameless action, a little Longmire, a whole lot of Sleepy Hollow, a certain set of skills in Taken, and one of the most catchy, upbeat theme songs ever heard on The Greatest American Hero. Finish off the home entertainment slate with Flatliners and Space Camp, then cap off your podcasting journey with Denise and news of Han Solo, Overwatch tackling toxicity, Jordan Peele hunting Nazis, and more. 

 

There you go. One brand new edition of The Weekly Podioplex. And it's all yours courtesy of The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for September 26, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: American Made

 


Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Kingsman: The Golden Circle – [New Release]
#2 – It – [-1]
#3 – The LEGO Ninjago Movie – [New Release]
#4 – American Assassin – [-2]
#5 – mother! – [-2]
#6 – Home Again – [-2]

#7 – Friend Request – [New Release]
#8 – Stronger – [New Release]
#9 – The Hitman’s Bodyguard – [-4]
#10 – Wind River – [-4]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – Hotel Transylvania
2007 – The Game Plan
1997 – The Peacemaker
1987 – Fatal Attraction
1977 – Star Wars

 

Box Office Premieres

September 29, 2017: Wide

American Made – [R]

Flatliners – [PG-13]

Til Death Do Us Part – [PG-13]

A Question of Faith – [PG]

 

September 29, 2017: Limited

Judwaa 2 – [NR]
Battle of the Sexes – [PG-13]
Mark Felt: The Man Who Brought Down the White House – [PG-13]
Lucky – [NR]
Super Dark Times – [NR]
Take Every Wave: The Life of Laird Hamilton – [NR]
Literally, Right Before Aaron – [NR]
Abundant Acreage Available – [NR]

 

Home Entertainment

September 26, 2017: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Transformers: The Last Knight – [PG-13]

47 Meters Down – [PG-13]

 

September 26, 2017: New Releases on Digital Video

Spider-Man: Homecoming – [PG-13]

 

September 26, 2017: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Shameless: Season Seven (2017)

Longmire: Season Five (2016)
Sleepy Hollow: Season Four (2016)
Sleepy Hollow: The Complete Series (2013-2017)

Taken: Season One (2016)

The Greatest American Hero: The Complete Series (1981-1983)

 

September 26, 2017: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Flatliners (1990) – [R]

SpaceCamp (1986) – [PG]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

Techno Retro Dads

TechnoRetro Dads share the fandom and fun of their youth with their families as they build a bridge from the past to the future through the time spent with their kids in the present. Join JediShua and shazbazzar as they reminisce about the past while exploring the future of some of their favorite science fiction and fantasy properties of their youth. Listen in to discussions about the movies, music, games, and comics of the 70s and 80s as they share the days of their youth with their own kids in a positive, family-friendly atmosphere. If you’re a TechnoRetro Dad, the child of one, or just fondly remember the sci-fi/fantasy properties of the 70s and 80s, then this podcast is for you!

 

Quick Flicks

 

Ron Howard is a Han Solo tease
Overwatch to tackle toxicity
Jordan Peele going Nazi-bashing in The Hunt
Watchmen going to television on HBO
Edge of Tomorrow to be Live Die Repeat for the sequel?

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex092617.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 11:35am EDT
Comments[0]

On The Weekly Podioplex, demonic clowns kept mother! and assassins at bay. In fact, mother! joined an exclusive club where only the worst-received get to visit. This week, Pennywise faces off against the Kingsmen and LEGO ninjas. Itís a battle for the middle of September and seats are yours for the asking. 

Home entertainment brings us an Amazon princess in Wonder Woman, The Big Sick, and another Pirates movie, and television is swimming in great titles like Arrow, Timeless, and classic anniversary editions of Buffy, Firefly, and Friends. After a Marvel-ous Close Encounter or two in the Blu-Rays from the Past, Denise shows us out with news of Nightfliers, Star Wars, and the promise of NES Classics for everyone. Or some of us. Or maybe just that one guy. Who knows with Nintendo at the helm?

Direct download: Podioplex091917.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 7:44pm EDT
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 On “You Bet Your Life” a horsewoman and a fisherman come in for some good-natured ribbing, but they give as good as they get from the one, the only, Groucho Marx.  And, as usual, a simple question like “How did you meet your spouse?” opens up a world of comedy.  Then on “Dragnet,” there is no honor among thieves.  When a jewel thief is caught, he’s quick to turn on his fellows once he learns that they’ve cheated him.

 

Episodes


You Bet Your Life

April 9, 1952

The Secret Word is “Sign”

2:34

Dragnet

April 26, 1953

“The Big Scrapbook”

32:26

Comments[0]

On The Weekly Podioplex, demonic clowns are a pleasant surprise. Well, okay, not just any demonic clowns, but record-breaking demonic clowns make our day. IT shocked audiences and the box office by shaking Spetember right out of the gate. The only competition this week is a Jennifer Lawrence thriller and an American Assassin, so that clown may haunt autumn for a little while. 

 

Home entertainment brings The Mummy ñ ask Denise how good that one is ñ alongside Captain Underpants and the haunting Get Out. Transformers arrive on digital as Anthony Hopkins tries to pay the bills, and television is awash in great titles, ranging from Doctor Who and The Big Bang Theory to Orphan Black and Broadchurch. We get some 35th anniversary love in 4K as E.T. rolls into HD, and then Denise chats about the new lack of Trevorrow in Star Wars, Wonder Womanís wonderful success, the pros and cons of Indiana Jones 5, and more. Thatís what you get on a new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex091217.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 8:34pm EDT
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On The Weekly Podioplex, we arrive in a post-Dragon Con world to find disappointment. The summer is over, the box office is the slowest it has been in seventeen years, and none of the newcomers could break the top ten. As autumn rolls in, it brings comedies about aging women and horror tales about demonic clowns. Can either jumpstart flagging sales, or have we already drifted into the storm drain to float away?

 

Home entertainment brings real life tales, from Morgan Leavey to Tupac Shakur, as well as television adventures from the Scarlet Speedster to demon-hunters in Impalas. After closing that chapter with Blade Runner, Denise offers up news of from the DC universe (good or bad, you choose) as well as heartwarming news about Marvel helping autistic artists. With that, we turn out the lights on summer and welcome cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and this new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for September 5, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: It

 


Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – The Hitman’s Bodyguard – [Third Week]
#2 – Annabelle: Creation – [Even]
#3 – Wind River – [+1]
#4 – Leap! – [-1]
#5 – Logan Lucky – [Even]
#6 – Dunkirk – [Even]

#7 – Spider-Man: Homecoming – [Even]
#8 – Despicable Me 3 – [+5]
#9 – The Emoji Movie – [+1]
#10 – Girls Trip – [+1]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – The Possession
2007 – 3:10 to Yuma
1997 – Fire Down Below
1987 – Stakeout
1977 – Star Wars

 

Box Office Premieres

September 8, 2017: Wide

It – [R]

Home Again – [PG-13]

 

September 8, 2017: Limited

The Good Catholic – [PG-13]
Poster Boys – [PG-13]
9/11 – [R]
School Life – [PG-13]
Trophy – [NR]
The Unknown Girl – [NR]

Hirune-hime: Shiranai watashi no monogatari – [NR]

 

 

Home Entertainment

September 5, 2017: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Megan Leavey – [PG-13]

Rough Night – [R]

All Eyez on Me – [R]

 

September 5, 2017: New Releases on Digital Video

The Big Sick – [R]

 

September 5, 2017: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

The Flash: Season Three (2016)

Criminal Minds: Season Twelve (2016)
Hawaii Five-O: Season Seven (2016)

Narcos: Season Two (2016)

Supernatural: Season Twelve (2016)

 

September 5, 2017: Blu-Rays From the Past 

 

Blade Runner (1982) – [R]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

Skywalking Through Neverland

Skywalking Through Neverland is a Star Wars/Disney, fan-focused Podcast. We cover Star Wars, Disney, Superheroes and pop culture fandom. You know, that stuff that binds us all together as instantaneous friends! We showcase either what people have done with their fandom or talked to those who are involved first-hand in the universes that we LOVE.

 

 

Quick Flicks

Suicide Squad 2 on its way (along with solo Joker and Joker/Harley films)
Teen Titans finds Starfire
Netflix develops 1822
Marvel-backed VFX company teaches autistic students how to animate

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex090517.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 8:18pm EDT
Comments[0]

Radio quiz shows were all the rage during the 1940s and 1950s, from the comedy of “You Bet Your Life” to the erudition of “Information Please.”  Tonight we present an episode of “College Quiz Bowl,” where the best and brightest of two colleges square off.  Here it’s Brown and its affiliated women’s college, Pembroke, vs the University of Minnesota.  For a transcribed program, this show is brimming with spontaneity.  Then, on an early episode of “The Great Gildersleeve,” our hero is dragooned into investigating the City Jail . . . from the point of view of a prisoner.

 

Episodes


College Quiz Bowl

January 15, 1955

“Brown vs University of Minnesota”

3:42

The Great Gildersleeve

October 5, 1941

“Investigate the City Jail”

33:25

Comments[0]

Shazam!

"Speak No Evil"

October 11, 1975

Paul and his friends are hanging out on a Sunday afternoon and are bored.  So they decide to go to school.  Makes sense, right?  Paul has his misgivings and he's proven right when his friends accidentally start a fire and his dog is almost killed in it before being saved by Captain Marvel.  Billy and Mentor know Paul knows something but he doesn't want to be a "fink".  Will he see it's better to admit the truth before it's too late?

Danny Bonaduce plays the misguided, but well intentioned teen who keeps his silence in this episode.  John and Richard play the hosts of a podcast discussing the episode.  They discuss how many kids learned to take off in flight from Superman and Captain Marvel as well as the "rural" effect on television in the 70s.

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: “Don't ever be afraid of being called a name. As long as you're sure what you're doing is right, there's no word... no name... that can harm you."

 

Guest Cast

Melvin F. Allen as Sheriff

Danny Bonaduce as Paul

Eric Chase as Sam

Ty Henderson as Kyle

Hal Lynch as John Jerome

Kerry Maclane as Chuck

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_33.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 8:05am EDT
Comments[0]

"Penguin's Clean Sweep"

Aired January 25, 1968

 

It's the final appearance of Burgess Meredith as The Penguin and he doesn't exactly go out in a blaze of glory.  The story involved Penguin trying to collect all of Gotham City's money that he has convinced the public is tainted with Lygerian Sleeping Sickness.  Despite the hokey sounding plot, John still feels there are some things of merit in this one and talks about it with Batman at 45 author Chris Gould.

 

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com

 

Introduced to Batman re-runs as a child, Chris would watch the show as a junior high-schooler, university student and mid-career professional, his appreciation taking on new forms at every step.

  

Convinced that Batman constitutes the definitive guide to mid-60s popular culture, and is therefore an invaluable source of study for future generations, Chris took to researching the show in detail, eventually producing the ebook: Batman at 45: The Ultimate Tribute to Pow, Bam and Zap! 

 

The aim of his research is to underline the point that no matter how many years have passed, Batman, through its sheer diversity of stars and insightful lines, helps us fully understand how we got to where we are today.

 

Click on the image to the right to get your copy of Chris' book.

 

 

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_63.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 9:20am EDT
Comments[0]

"THE PREYING MANTIS"

AIRED: NOVEMBER 18, 1966

It's another challenge for The Green Hornet, but for John and Jim, there's not much of a challenge in reviewing this episode.  Both are excited by this story that gives Bruce Lee a chance to stretch a little as the Hornet and Kato investigate a protection racket by a tong in Chinatown.  The thing is, there's more to the tong than simply an extortion racket.  There's a great deal to like about this fan favorite as the two discuss. Plus, there's some trivia on this episode from The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson, including Green Hornet creator George Trendle's dislike for this episode.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_009.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 8:48am EDT
Comments[0]

 

 

The home entertainment slate sparkles in comparison with Guardians of the Galaxy (Zardu Hasselfrau!) Wonder Woman leading the charge. We also get Supergirl, The Walking Dead, both Jessica Jones and Daredevil, Gotham, Star Wars Rebels, and (literally) more titles than we could cover. With new television on the horizon, itís a clearinghouse of titles ready for you. After that bumper crop, Denise offers up news of Good Omens, The Jetsons, and two beasts ñ one is an animal, and the other is Daniel Craig. With that, we put a wrap on summer and this Dragon Con double digest edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for August 22, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Leap!

 


Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – The Hitman’s Bodyguard – [New Release]
#2 – Annabelle: Creation – [-1]
#3 – Logan Lucky – [New Release]
#4 – Dunkirk – [-2]
#5 – The Nut Job: Nutty by Nature – [-2]
#6 – The Emoji Movie – [Even]

#7 – Spider-Man: Homecoming – [Even]
#8 – Girls Trip – [-3]
#9 – The Dark Tower – [-5]
#10 – Wind River – [+10]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – The Expendables 2
2007 – Superbad
1997 – G.I. Jane
1987 – Stakeout
1977 – The Kentucky Fried Movie

 

Box Office Premieres for the weeks of August 25, 2017 and September 1, 2017

August 25, 2017: Wide

Leap! – [PG]

All Saints – [PG]

Birth of the Dragon – [PG-13]

 

August 25, 2017: Limited

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991) – [R]
Beach Rats – [R]
Polina – [NR]
A Gentleman – [NR]
Ghost House – [R]
Red Christmas – [NR]

Served Like a Girl – [NR]

The Villainess – [NR]

September 1, 2017: Wide

Tulip Fever – [R]

 

September 1, 2017: Limited

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) – [PG]
Unlocked – [R]
Delores – [NR]
Viceroy’s House – [NR]
Do It Like an Hombre – [NR]
The Teacher – [UR]
Temple – [NR]
Jackal – [NR]

 

 

Home Entertainment for the weeks of August 22, 2017 and August 29, 2017

August 22, 2017: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – [PG-13]

 

August 29, 2017: New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray 

Baywatch – [R]

Batman and Harley Quinn – [PG-13]

 

August 22, 2017: New Releases on Digital Video

The Mummy – [PG-13]

 

August 29, 2017: New Releases on Digital Video

Wonder Woman – [PG-13]

 

August 22, 2017: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Supergirl: Season Two (2016)

The Walking Dead: Season Seven (2016)
Ash vs Evil Dead: Season Two (2016)

Lucifer: Season Two (2016)

Jessica Jones: Season One (2015)

Daredevil: Season Two (2016)

 

August 29, 2017: TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

Star Wars Rebels: Season Three (2016)

Gotham: Season Three (2016)
Elementary: Season Five (2016)

Designated Survivor: Season One (2016)

 

August 22, 2017: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Life Is Beautiful (1997) – [PG-13]

 

August 29, 2017: Blu-Rays From the Past 

Sabrina (1954) – [NR]

 

 

Podcast Promos

Generations Geek

Generations Geek is a family-friendly celebration of geekdom by a father/daughter crime-fighting duo. Okay, perhaps they don’t fight crime, but they are two generations of geek. In every monthly episode they talk about stuff like books, movies, comics, games, and any other geeky thing they think of.

 

 

Quick Flicks

Puppies PSA: Revisited (we’re serious this time)
Good Omens
The Jetsons TV pilot (er, what?)
The Beast is an Animal and Ridley Scott
Daniel Craig returns as James Bond

Links

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex082217.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 8:38am EDT
Comments[0]

Isis

"The Outsider"

October 4, 1975

A new student shows great potential in environmental science, but he's having trouble fitting in with the student body.  He discovers that a nearby piece of land that supports a great deal of wildlife in the area is in danger of being cleared for new housing.  Will he take the law into his own hands or can Isis resolve the situation before it gets out of hand or worse, deadly? 

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: "Don't judge a book by its cover."

Guest Cast

Mitch Vogal as Wayne Moss

Morgan Jones as Mr. Tilden

Harry Hickox as Mr. Winstead

Wirt Morton as Charlie Michaels

Anson Downes as Phil Hobbes

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_32.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 6:55am EDT
Comments[0]

We're really not sure which is scarier: The number one film or the descent of the summer box office. Annabelle may have won the weekend, but this year's summer season is not performing well at all. Between The Hitman's Bodyguard and Logan Lucky, maybe there's hope in two adult comedies as the season winds down.

 

The home entertainment slate looks a little better with Alien: Covenant leading the pack, backed by heavy hitters like Once Upon a Time, The Blacklist, Legends of Tommorrow, and Riverdale. Oh, and a little creepshow known as Pet Semetary. So many chills down the spine. After that, Denise brings news of Hannibal, Hellboy, Neuromancer, Dawn, and whatever The Ballad of Buster Scruggs is. It's the dog days of summer right here on a new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for August 15th, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: The Hitman’s Bodyguard

 


Box Office Report

 

Top Ten

#1 – Annabelle: Creation – [New Release]
#2 – Dunkirk – [Even]
#3 – The Nut Job: Nutty by Nature – [New Release]
#4 – The Dark Tower – [-3]
#5 – Girls Trip – [-1]
#6 – The Emoji Movie – [-3]

#7 – Spider-Man: Homecoming – [-1]
#8 – Kidnap – [-3]
#9 – The Glass Castle – [New Release]
#10 – Atomic Blonde – [-3]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – The Expendables 2
2007 – Superbad
1997 – Cop Land
1987 – Stakeout
1977 – The Kentucky Fried Movie

 

Box Office Premieres for the week of August 18th, 2017

Wide

The Hitman’s Bodyguard – [R]

Logan Lucky – [PG-13]

 

Limited

Patti Cake$ – [R]
Gook – [UR]
Lemon – [NR]
Marjorie Prime – [NR]
Sidemen: Long Road to Glory – [NR]
6 Days – [R]
The Adventurers – [NR]

 

 

Home Entertainment for the week of August 15th, 2017

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray

Alien: Covenant – [R]

Chuck – [R]

 

New Releases on Digital Video

 

Baywatch – [R]

 

TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

 

Once Upon a Time: Season Six (2016)

The Blacklist: Season Four (2016)
The Blacklist: Redemption: Season One (2016)

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow: Season Two (2016)

Riverdale: Season One (2016)

 

Blu-Rays From the Past 

 

Pet Sematary (1989) – [R]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

Full of Sith

The Full of Sith Podcast is a show dedicated to bringing the most interesting Star Wars conversations in the galaxy with hosts Bryan Young, Tha Mike Pilot, and Holly Frey.

 

 

Quick Flicks

 

Hannibal revival in discussions
The BPRD and the Hellboy reboot
Deadpool’s Tim Miller gets Neuromancer
Octavia Butler’s Dawn goes to television
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs meets Netflix

 

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex081517.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 10:59am EDT
Comments[0]

“Vic and Sade” is the driest of domestic comedies.  We present two 15-minute visits to “the small house half-way up on the next block.”  First, the son of the house, young Rush, has plans to single-handedly tear down a brick building – purely for the honor.  Then Rush recruits his father to teach his high school principle, Mr. Chinbunny, the manly art of cigar smoking.  “The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe” are based on the classic characters created by Rex Stout and star the magnificently-voiced (and appropriately-girthed) Sydney Greenstreet as New York’s brilliant, but lazy, private investigator. Wolfe leaves the legwork to his assistant, Archie Goodwin – a man about town who really gets around.

 

Episodes

 

Vic and Sade

 

November 14, 1939

“Tearing Down a Three-Storey Brick Building”

 

June 2, 1940

“Mr. Chinbunny Wants to Smoke Cigars”

 

3:30

 

 

 

The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe

 

April 20, 1951

 

“The Lost Heir”

 

23:36

Comments[0]

The battle between good and evil seems to be a winner, but the victory is tainted by really low attendance numbers. That's unfortunate, but audiences may find some respite from The Dark Tower with another crack at The Nut Job. There's also some real life drama in The Glass Castle, a creepy creepy doll in Annabelle: Creation, and the hope that Detroit finds legs in the interim.

 

The home entertainment slate is heavy on film and light on TV, showcasing King Arthur, Snatched, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Blindspot and the mysteries of amenesiacs and terrorists amp up the action before moving into retro titles with two Teen Wolf tales. Wrap it all up with Denise and news of an Ant-Man sequel, a Pacific Rim sequel, and a Nintendo Classic sequel. We seriously hope that they work out the bugs in that last one. Also, a PSA on fantasy, dogs, and milkshakes. Seriously, be kind to living creatures and #MakeMineMilkshake on a new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for August 8th, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature

 


Box Office Report

 

Top Ten

#1 – The Dark Tower – [New Release]
#2 – Dunkirk – [-1]
#3 – The Emoji Movie – [-1]
#4 – Girls Trip – [-1]
#5 – Kidnap – [New Release]
#6 – Spider-Man: Homecoming – [-1]

#7 – Atomic Blonde – [-3]
#8 – Detroit – [+8]
#9 – War for the Planet of the Apes – [-3]
#10 – Despicable Me 3 – [-3]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – The Bourne Legacy
2007 – Rush Hour 3
1997 – Conspiracy Theory
1987 – The Living Daylights
1977 – The Spy Who Loved Me

 

Box Office Premieres for the week of August 11th, 2017

Wide

The Nut Job 2: Nutty by Nature – [PG]

The Glass Castle – [PG-13]

Annabelle: Creation – [R]

 

Limited

Ingrid Goes West – [R]
The Only Living Boy in New York – [R]
The Trip to Spain – [NR]

 

 

Home Entertainment for the week of August 8th, 2017

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword – [PG-13]

Snatched – [R]

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul – [PG]

 

New Releases on Digital Video

 

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – [PG-13]

 

TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

 

Blindspot: Season Two (2016)

 

Blu-Rays From the Past 

 

Teen Wolf (1985) – [PG]

Teen Wolf Too (1987) – [PG]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

Talking Apes TV

Every episode of TALKING APES TV will delve into one episode of the PLANET OF THE APES TV Series, with plenty of quotes, audio and social commentary pulled from each show.

 

 

Quick Flicks

 

PSA: Game of Thrones, dogs, and #MakeMineMilkshake
Ant-Man and the Wasp is underway
Nintendo SNES Classic
Pacific Rim: Uprising moves to March 2018

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex080817.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 8:08am EDT
Comments[0]

The Romans

Production: M

Airdates: January 16 - February 6, 1965

 

The TARDIS takes the time travelers to ancient Rome where Ian and Barbara are captured as slaves while the Doctor and Vicki are guests of Nero.  The Doctor is mistaken for a murdered musician and enrages Nero with his performance in Nero's court.  It all leads up to the burning the Rome.  Can the travelers escape their situation and return to the TARDIS?

It's Doctor Who's first stab at a comedy, but is it straight comedy or more like dark comedy? In any event, this is a favorite of John's and he enthuses about it on this episode. Do you agree? Let us know here.

Direct download: DWMD_-_The_Romans.mp3
Category:Doctor Who & Mister Drew -- posted at: 11:31am EDT
Comments[0]

"Nora Clavicle and the Ladies' Crime Club"

Aired January 18, 1968

Feminist Nora Clavicle has plans for Gotham City as she takes control of Gotham City's police department.  It looks, on the surface, that is a blow for women's rights as she replaces every male police officer with women.  The problem is the women are ineffective when it comes to enforcing the law and nobody is aware of Nora's plan to destroy Gotham City.

John is joined by podcaster Chris Franklin of the Super Mates Podcast to discuss what may possibly be the worst episode in the entire series.  (Yes, even worse than "Marsha, Queen of Diamonds".)  They wonder if this is supposed to be camp, a spoof on women's lib, or just bad writing.  They also try to figure out just how Batman, Robin, and Batgirl allow themselves to be turned into a human Siamese Knot by, and you'll excuse us here, a trio of women.  

 

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com

 

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_62.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 6:44am EDT
Comments[0]

"The Rescue"

Production: L

Airdates: January 2-9, 1965

 

The Doctor has left Susan behind on a future Earth, recovering from Dalek occupation.  He appears to be even more distracted than usual.  And then the TARDIS lands on the planet Dido, a world the Doctor visited once before.  There, he, Ian and Barbara find the wreck of downed space ship and the two survivors who are being terrorized by Koquilion, an inhabitant of the planet.

 

This story sets up the introduction of Vicki, as played by Maureen O'Brien.  She will join the TARDIS and while the producers were looking for her to be a replacement for Susan, she is clearly much more than that.  Take a listen and see if you agree with the assessment of the episode overall and where it places in the ranking.

 

Current Rankings

1 - Dalek Invasion of Earth

2 - Marco Polo

3 - The Daleks

4 - The Aztecs

5 - An Unearthly Child

6 - The Reign of Terror

7 - Edge of Destruction

8 - The Rescue

9 - Planet of Giants

10 - The Keys of Marinus

11 - The Sensorites

Direct download: DWMD_-_The_Rescue.mp3
Category:Doctor Who & Mister Drew -- posted at: 9:02am EDT
Comments[0]

"THE RAY IS FOR KILLING"

AIRED: NOVEMBER 11, 1966

 

John and Jim are excited to be talking about this episode as it's another high concept episode that manages to work in the Hornet's usual angle of getting inside the criminal organization for a "piece of the action".  A group of thieves have stolen a cache of artwork which they wish to ransom.  They have everyone at bay though because they carry with them a powerful laser weapon.  While Britt negotiates for the release, the Hornet goes inside to learn about who is holding the artwork.  It's a tight, well-written adventure and has a great deal going for it as John and Jim discuss.  Plus, we've got listener mail.  We also introduce The Green Hornet: A History of Radio, Motion Pictures, Comics and Television by Martin Grams and Terry Salomonson.  We'll be referring to this extensive tome from time to time in our discussions.  Pick up your copy by clicking on the link and getting it today.

 

 

 Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_008.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 8:21am EDT
Comments[0]

Direct download: DWMD_-_Dalek_Invasion_of_Earth.mp3
Category:Doctor Who & Mister Drew -- posted at: 12:56pm EDT
Comments[0]

Sometimes, not even secret agents and poop are enough to win the weekend. On this edition of The Weekly Podioplex, we face the triumph of Dunkirk and the rise of The Dark Tower, and we question if Stephen King is enough to defeat Christopher Nolan and dramatic war dramas. [CONFORM] This week also sees the wide releases of Kidnap and Detroit, dramas starring Halle Berry and John Boyega.

 

The home entertainment slate tries to steal hearts with a bank heist in Going in Style, a thrilling mystery in The Circle, an extraterrestrial horror in Alien: Covenant, and a blast from the past with They Live. [OBEY] To wrap it all up, Denise brings us a few confrontations, including the singularity (and Melissa McCarthy), Confederate (and HBO), and Castlevania (and the video game curse). Did we mention Darkwing Duck? Yes, there's Darkwing Duck. This and more on a new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network. [CONSUME]

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for August 1st, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: The Dark Tower

 

 

Box Office Report

 

Top Ten

#1 – Dunkirk – [Second Week]
#2 – The Emoji Movie – [New Release]
#3 – Girls Trip – [-1]
#4 – Atomic Blonde – [New Release]
#5 – Spider-Man: Homecoming – [-2]
#6 – War for the Planet of the Apes – [-2]

#7 – Despicable Me 3 – [-1]
#8 – Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – [-3]
#9 – Baby Driver – [-2]
#10 – Wonder Woman – [-1]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – The Dark Knight Rises
2007 – The Bourne Ultimatum
1997 – Air Force One
1987 – The Living Daylights
1977 – Star Wars

 

Box Office Premieres for the week of August 4th, 2017

Wide

The Dark Tower – [PG-13]

Detroit – [R]

Kidnap – [R]

 

Limited

Midnight Sun – [PG-13]
Step – [PG]
Wind River – [R]

 

 

Home Entertainment for the week of August 1st, 2017

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray

Going in Style – [PG-13]

The Circle – [PG-13]

All About the Money – [NR]

 

New Releases on Digital Video

 

Alien: Covenant – [R]

 

TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

 

Big Little Lies: Season One (2017)

The Secret World of Alex Mack: Complete Series (1994-1998)

 

Blu-Rays From the Past 

 

They Live (1988) – [R]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

MASH 4077 Podcast

MASH 4077 Podcast is a fan cast covering one of the most well known and highly successful series in television history. Hosted by Kenny, Meds, and Al, each episode will cover a single episode of MASH starting at the beginning with the pilot. We hope to share with our listeners some cool and informative behind the scene information, cool trivia and little know facts about this wonderful TV series.

 

 

 

Quick Flicks

 

Melissa McCarthy vs. the singularity
Confederate vs. HBO
Netflix’s Castlevania vs. the video game curse
Darkwing Duck vs. DuckTales revival
John Wick vs. the expanded universe

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex080117.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 7:45am EDT
Comments[0]

Shazam!

"Goodbye, Packy"

October 4, 1975

 

Kathy has raised Packy since he was a pup.  It's an adorable relationship, but there is one hitch - Packy is a wolf.  He's getting older now and harder to control.  Add to it, the danger he poses to livestock in the area and Kathy's father wants to release him to the wild.  But Kathy and Packy run away and quickly find themselves in danger.  Can Captain Marvel rescue the two in time?

 

It's the first episode of the season that John and Richard do not like which is surprising considering how good the stories have been to this point and the fact that this one was written by a team who wrote some good stories in the first season.  The two discuss where this one went wrong, the laws concerning the possession of wild creatures, and the motif of eating that runs throughout the entire Shazam! series.

 

It's all here and we want to hear from you on what you think of the episode.  Write us as ShazamIsisPodcast@gmail.com.

Moral: “Having a pet carries responsibilities. Some animals are born to be free. To deprive them of that right is selfish, so we all must understand and respect the laws of nature... for our sake, as well as for our animal friends."

 

Guest Cast

Conlan Carter as Bob Rose

Shannon Terhune as Kathy Rose

Direct download: Shazam_Isis_-_Ep_31.mp3
Category:Shazam/Isis Podcast -- posted at: 7:00am EDT
Comments[0]

"Louie's Lethal Lilac Time"

Aired January 11, 1968

 

Louie the Lilac is back in Gotham City and this time he plans to corner the perfume market with the help of a kidnapped Bruce and Dick.  

John is joined by podcaster Joseph Culp and they discuss how Berle actually works in the role of Louie and how this episode, warts and all, is not a bad little story.  They also lament the missing Madge Blake, who doesn't appear in this episode, but her character Aunt Harriet gets a name drop.

 

Comment on the episode here or write thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com

 

Pastor Joseph "Captain Scotland" Culp is a licensed and ordained minister. He serves as the Host of The weekly Podcast, The Highlander's Heart at 

www.highlandersheart.com. He is an expat from Turriff, Aberdeenshire Scotland who now lives in Pickerington, Ohio. He works with the the elderly in senior ministry at Abbington of Pickerington Ohio bi-weekly. He is a Batman '66 fan as well an an avid reader of history, mystery novel and old comic books from 1938 to 1977. His favorite shows are Batman with Adam West, The Avengers with Patrick Macnee, Shazam, Six Million Dollar Man and the Bionic Woman classic Doctor Who (the 1st 3 Doctors only) and the current show of Super Girl, The Flash, Arrow, Doctor Who. He is married to his lovely wife Serene of 24 years and is the proud father of 2 great cats, Princess Bella and Prince Caledonia. You can reach him at joseph.captainscotland.culp@gmail.com or facebook at https://www.facebook.com/joseph.culp.9.

Direct download: The_Batcave_Podcast_-_Episode_61.mp3
Category:Batcave Podcast -- posted at: 8:00am EDT
Comments[0]

WCRS Radiostage returns with the final run of episodes from their catalogue.  In "The Mirror", a young couple buys a mirror in which they can see the faces of the dead - when the moon is right.  What will the mirror reveal?

Direct download: Rstage21_theMirror.mp3
Category:WCRS Radio Stage -- posted at: 6:58am EDT
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Episode 43—They Aren’t What We Thought They Were

 

Science fiction writer Scott Pearson and his daughter, Ella, try to make sense of Ridley Scott’s retcons Prometheus and Alien: Covenant, as they begin an epic review of the entire Alien movie series. Plus, Scott can’t stop saying “muddled” and Ella dives into Alan Dean Foster’s Covenant novelization, comparing and contrasting with the film. Double-length episode!

 

Segments

Intro :28

Waiter, There’s DNA in My Soup 1:03

On Seeing Prometheus Twice 4:00

Ancient Astronauts? Seriously? 4:38

Answering Questions No One Asked 8:00

Christmas and Prometheus 8:45

Creepy David 11:15

We’re Here! 13:00

Are There Other Aliens in the Alien Movies? 14:32

Stupid Scientists 17:20

Here’s the Thing About Ridley 20:30

Space Suit? No, Those Were Skeletons! 21:25

Hey, We Found an Alien Head! 22:55

Waiter, There’s Black Goo in My Drink 24:50

Snake Monster Just Wants to Snuggle 25:47

Vickers Taking Care of Business 30:15

It’s a Squid! 32:02

Sexist Medical Pod 32:55

What is This Movie About? 34:35

Shaw Taking Care of Business 35:20

Engineer Wakes Up on the Wrong Side of the Pod 38:58

Getting That Old-Time Religion 39:32

Just Run to the Side! 42:02

David’s Head and the Squid Baby 43:35

Prometheus: Final Thoughts 45:38

Alien TED Talk 49:37

Covenant: First Thoughts 52:03

Answering Questions No One Asked, Part Deux 54:45

Engineering Xenomorphs 56:12

What is This Movie About? Part Deux 59:12

“The Crossing”: Shaw and David’s Head 1:00:55

“The Last Supper”: That’s a Franco 1:04:32

Who Loves Walter? We Do 1:07:10

Weyland and David 1:08:00

Arriving at the Engineer’s Planet 1:09:00

Xenomorph Spores? Seriously? 1:11:07

Ash, David, and the Company 1:13:06

The Creator and the Created 1:14:45 

Prequels vs. Alien/Aliens 1:15:43

David: Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs 1:16:38

Quarantine: Like That’s Going to Happen 1:17:52

Uh, What About Those Corpses? 1:20:49

Hey, Look in This Slimy Egg! 1:21:36

Colonists, Shmolonists 1:24:45

David and Walter and Daniels 1:25:55

Xenomorphs and Neomorphs 1:30:13

Back on the Ship 1:31:42

And We Thought Hairballs Were Gross 1:32:41

Covenant: Final Thoughts 1:33:40

Book Report: The Covenant Novelization 1:37:04

Changes in the Book 1:41:50

Let’s Talk More About Walter and Daniels 1:45:40

The Captain and David and Xenomorphs 1:59:35

Direct download: GG_43.mp3
Category:Generations Geek -- posted at: 6:26am EDT
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The Weekly Podioplex returns to find good performers and a disappointment. Dunkirk is the victor, Girls Trip is a winner, but Valerian disappointed while looking pretty. All three of them face challenges from thrilling Atomic Blonde and poop... er, I mean, The Emoji Movie. Or maybe just poop.

 

The home entertainment slate brings Ghost in the Shell, Emerald City, Pretty Little Liars, and Silkwood, all of which lead into the Quick Flicks where Denise talks remakes, revivals, Squirrel Girl (!), and why, oh why, sweet Christmas why is Confederate a thing? This and more on a new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for July 25th, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Atomic Blonde

 

Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Dunkirk – [New Release]
#2 – Girls Trip – [New Release]
#3 – Spider-Man: Homecoming – [-1]
#4 – War for the Planet of the Apes – [-3]
#5 – Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – [New Release]
#6 – Despicable Me 3 – [-3]

#7 – Baby Driver – [-3]
#8 – The Big Sick – [-3]
#9 – Wonder Woman – [-3]
#10 – Wish Upon – [-3]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – The Dark Knight Rises
2007 – The Simpsons Movie
1997 – Air Force One
1987 – RoboCop
1977 – Star Wars

 

Box Office Premieres for the week of July 28th, 2017

Wide

Atomic Blonde – [R]

The Emoji Movie – [PG]

 

Limited

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power – [NR]
Menashe – [PG]
From the Land of the Moon – [R]
The Midwife – [UR]

 

 

Home Entertainment for the week of July 25th, 2017

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray

Ghost in the Shell – [PG-13]

The Boss Baby – [PG]

Unforgettable – [R]

 

New Releases on Digital Video

 

King Arthur – [PG-13]

 

TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

 

Emerald City: Season One (2017)

Girls: Season Six (2017)

Pretty Little Liars: Season Seven (2016)
Pretty Little Liars: Complete Series (2010-2017)

 

Blu-Rays From the Past 

 

Silkwood (1983) – [R]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

Techno Retro Dads

TechnoRetro Dads share the fandom and fun of their youth with their families as they build a bridge from the past to the future through the time spent with their kids in the present. Join JediShua and shazbazzar as they reminisce about the past while exploring the future of some of their favorite science fiction and fantasy properties of their youth. Listen in to discussions about the movies, music, games, and comics of the 70s and 80s as they share the days of their youth with their own kids in a positive, family-friendly atmosphere. If you’re a TechnoRetro Dad, the child of one, or just fondly remember the sci-fi/fantasy properties of the 70s and 80s, then this podcast is for you!

 

 

Quick Flicks

 

Invasion of the Body Snatchers remade… again
Skinner returns to The X-Files
Confederate
Squirrel Girl!

 

 

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex072517.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 7:46am EDT
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34:15

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The Weekly Podioplex returns to find war. This week belongs to Caesar and the apes as they dominate the box office, but still have considerable ground to make up in their own franchise. Meanwhile, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets, Christopher Nolan's take on Dunkirk, and a Girls Trip will challenge the apes for the throne. Can they hold the line?

 

The home entertainment slate also stars an ape as Kong: Skull Island invades store shelves. Joining the king are a Promise, The 100, The Expanse, and the car-leaping antics of T.J. Hooker. After that, Denise wraps things up in the Quick Flicks with comic book news and a celebration of the Thirteenth Doctor. This and more comprise a new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for July 18th, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

 


Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – War for the Planet of the Apes – [New Release]
#2 – Spider-Man: Homecoming – [-1]
#3 – Despicable Me 3 – [-1]
#4 – Baby Driver – [-1]
#5 – The Big Sick – [+3]
#6 – Wonder Woman – [-2]

#7 – Wish Upon – [New Release]
#8 – Cars 3 – [-2]
#9 – Transformers: The Last Knight – [-4]
#10 – The House – [-3]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – The Dark Knight Rises
2007 – I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry
1997 – Men in Black
1987 – RoboCop
1977 – The Island of Dr. Moreau

 

Box Office Premieres for the week of July 21st, 2017

Wide

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets – [PG-13]

Dunkirk – [PG-13]

Girls Trip – [R]

 

Limited

Landline – [R]
The Midwife – [UR]

 

 

Home Entertainment for the week of July 18th, 2017

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray

Kong: Skull Island – [PG-13]

The Promise – [PG-13]

 

New Releases on Digital Video

 

The Circle – [PG-13]

With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story (2010) – [UR]

 

TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

 

The 100: Season Four (2017)

The Expanse: Season Two (2017)

T.J. Hooker: Complete Series (1982-1986)

 

Blu-Rays From the Past 

 

State Fair (1962) – [NR]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

British Invaders

The British Invaders podcast features a lively two-person exchange about different television series, tele-films and mini-series. These discussions serve as both an introduction and an entertaining conversation, catering to both those who have seen and those who have yet to see these British science fiction and fantasy shows. Each show is presented in two parts, with new episodes appearing every two weeks. British Invaders covers everything from story-lines to production details to spinoff material. Past topics have included Doctor Who, Sapphire and Steel, Red Dwarf, Day of the Triffids, Jekyll, Robin of Sherwood, and many more.

 

 

Quick Flicks

 

Martin Landau and George Romero
Doctor Who: The Thirteenth Doctor
Wonder Woman’s strong box office performance
Ben Affleck’s script is out for Batman
The Joker is cured?

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex071817.mp3
Category:Presenting the Transcription Feature -- posted at: 10:03am EDT
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"BEAUTIFUL DREAMER"

AIRED: OCTOBER 22 and 29, 1966

 

This story has a lot of things that make it stand out from the others in the series.  First, it's the first two-part episode for the series.  Second, it's co-written by Lorenzo Semple.  But the real question is - is there enough story here to warrant two parts?  John and Jim discuss this as well as Britt's "type" of woman in the series.  Plus, we have an audio treat thanks to listener David Maska.  Listen to talk show host Mike Douglas interview Van Williams on the premiere of The Green Hornet back in 1966.

Take a listen and then let us know what you think of the episode by writing us here or at thebatcavepodcast@gmail.com.

Direct download: The_Hornets_Sting_007.mp3
Category:The Hornet's Sting -- posted at: 11:35am EDT
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After a brief break, The Weekly Podioplex has returned to news of an infestation at the box office. This week's winner is Spider-Man: Homecoming, which made a pretty big splash for a superhero whose only reward is supposedly action. The wallcrawler faces a new challenge as war comes to the Planet of the Apes. Simian or spider: Who will win?

 

The home entertainment slate goes high octane with The Fate of the Furious, a lost city, the Smurfs, and the unexplained between magic and time travelers on TV. After Leeloo Dallas Multipass goes 4K for a 20th anniversary, Denise returns with news of Netflix, gender and race conflicts in popular TV, and word that James Bond may expand to a whole shared universe of stories. This and more come together on a new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for July 11th, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: War for the Planet of the Apes

 


Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Spider-Man: Homecoming – [New Release]
#2 – Despicable Me 3 – [-1]
#3 – Baby Driver – [-1]
#4 – Wonder Woman – [Even]
#5 – Transformers: The Last Knight – [-2]
#6 – Cars 3 – [-1]

#7 – The House – [-1]
#8 – The Big Sick – [+4]
#9 – 47 Meters Down – [-2]
#10 – The Beguiled – [-2]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – Ice Age: Continental Drift
2007 – Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
1997 – Men in Black
1987 – Revenge of the Nerds II: Nerds in Paradise
1977 – The Deep

 

Box Office Premieres for the week of July 14th, 2017

Wide

War for the Planet of the Apes – [PG-13]

Wish Upon – [PG-13]

The Big Sick – [R]

 

Limited

Lady Macbeth – [R]
Chasing Coral – [NR]
Blind – [R]

 

 

Home Entertainment for the week of July 11th, 2017

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray

The Fate of the Furious – [PG-13]

The Lost City of Z – [PG-13]

Smurfs: The Lost Village – [PG]

Big Miracle – [PG]

 

New Releases on Digital Video

 

Going in Style – [PG-13]

 

TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

 

The Magicians: Season Two (2017)

Class: Series One (2016)

 

Blu-Rays From the Past 

 

The Fifth Element (1997) – [PG]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

11.22.63: A Look Back
Join your hosts, Troy Heinritz and Wayne Henderson, for in-depth theories, discussion, fun, and your thoughts on Hulu's TV series 11.22.63.

 

 

 

Quick Flicks

 

Top Gun 2 in 2019
Netflix Class of 2018
Gillian Anderson takes on The X-Files writer’s room
A James Bond Universe of films?
Gemini Man gets a release date
Hawaii Five-O shakeups
The Umbrella Academy
Wonder Woman
John Carpenter on the small screen: Tales for a Halloween Night

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

 

Direct download: Podioplex071117.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 9:36am EDT
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Greek restaurateurs have their say on this episode of “Presenting the Transcription Feature.”  We start off with a fictional one, the loveable Parky of “Meet Me at Parky’s.”  A famous food critic is coming to his restaurant, and Parky is desperate for a good write-up.  So desperate that he looks for help from con-man Orville Sharpe, the only person of Parky’s acquaintance with more of a talent for malapropisms than he.  Then, on “You Bet Your Life,” Groucho Marx welcomes an actual Greek restaurateur.   Other contestants include a Las Vegas masseur and a real-life “Rosie the Riveter.”

 

Episodes

 

Meet Me at Parky’s

March 3, 1946

“Visit from a Gourmet”

2:19

 

You Bet Your Life

April 21, 1954

“The Secret Word is People”

32:33

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On an all-new double digest edition of The Weekly Podioplex, the Transformers won the weekend, but it was a hollow victory based on sales. Meanwhile, Wonder Woman and Cars 3 picked up the slack. The next two weeks will be a test for the numbers two and three as Gru, the Minions, and Spider-Man make their debuts. It's kids and comics against kids and comics, and the winners are us.

 

On the home entertainment slate, Power Rangers, The Boss Baby, The Zookeeper's Wife, Prison Break, and Homicide make their way to your shelves alongside others. The Lodger celebrates 90 years and Fievel Goes West, then Denise tells us all about replicants, Han Solo's director issues, and an assembling of Avengers. Put it all together like a LEGO Death Star and you have another edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for June 27th, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Spider-Man: Homecoming

 

 

Box Office Report

 

Top Ten

#1 – Transformers: The Last Knight – [New Release]
#2 – Wonder Woman – [Even]
#3 – Cars 3 – [-2]
#4 – 47 Meters Down – [+1]
#5 – The Mummy – [-1]
#6 – All Eyez on Me – [-3]

#7 – Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – [-1]
#8 – Rough Night – [-1]
#9 – Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie – [-1]
#10 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – [-1]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – Ted
2007 – Ratatouille
1997 – Face/Off
1987 – Dragnet
1977 – The Rescuers

 

Box Office Premieres for the week of June 30th, 2017

Wide

Despicable Me 3 – [PG]

The House – [R]

Baby Driver – [R]

 

Limited

13 Minutes – [R]
The Little Hours – [R]
The B-Side: Elsa Dorfman’s Portrait Photography – [R]

Box Office Premieres for the week of July 7th, 2017

Wide

Spider-Man: Homecoming – [PG-13]

 

Limited

A Ghost Story – [R]
City of Ghosts – [R]
Patti Cake$ – [R]
Santoalla – [NR]

 

 

Home Entertainment for the weeks of June 27th and July 4th, 2017

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray for June 27th

 

Power Rangers – [PG-13]

CHIPS – [R]

T2: Trainspotting – [R]

 

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray for July 4th

 

The Zookeeper’s Wife – [PG-13]

 

New Releases on Digital Video for June 27th

 

The Lost City of Z – [PG-13]

 

New Releases on Digital Video for July 4th

 

The Boss Baby – [PG]

 

TV on DVD and Blu-Ray for June 27th

 

Prison Break: The Complete Series (2005-2017)
Prison Break: Resurrection (2017)

The Strain: Season Three (2016)

 

TV on DVD and Blu-Ray for July 4th

 

Homicide: Life on the Street: The Complete Series (1993-1999)

 

Blu-Rays From the Past for June 27th 

 

The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927) – [UR]

 

Blu-Rays From the Past for July 4th 

 

An American Tale: Fievel Goes West (1991) – [G]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

The Shared Desk

From the writing desk of award-nominated and award-winning authors and podcasters Philippa Ballantine and Tee Morris comes The Shared Desk, a writer's show that explores collaboration, science fiction, fantasy, and just about anything that catches their fleeting attention spans.

 

 

Quick Flicks

 

Han Solo divorces from Lord and Miller
Blade Runner 2049 and Deckard’s replicant status
World War Z 2
Jurassic World: Falling Kingdom
The Infinity War roll call

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex072717.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 5:15pm EDT
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On an all-new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, Lightning McQueen won the race, but can he match Wonder Woman's box office endurance as she continues to take down her DCEU brethren? This week, they both face off against a new set of cars as a popular '80s franchise gets another movie chapter in Transformers: The Last Knight. The question is how the Michael Bay action spectacle will match against two movies with feeling.

 

On the home entertainment slate, the pickings are equally slim as Life, Kong, Jake and the Fatman, and Under the Dome make their way to various shelves. To top it off, Denise discusses remakes, squees about DuckTales (woo-oo!), laments Cruise control, and says goodbye to Batman. Add it all together and you have another edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for June 20th, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: Transformers: The Last Knight

 


Box Office Report

Top Ten

#1 – Cars 3 – [Second Week]
#2 – Wonder Woman – [-1]
#3 – All Eyez on Me – [New Release]
#4 – The Mummy – [-2]
#5 – 47 Meters Down – [New Release]
#6 – Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – [-2]

#7 – Rough Night – [New Release]
#8 – Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie – [-5]
#9 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – [-4]
#10 – It Comes at Night – [-4]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – Brave
2007 – Evan Almighty
1997 – Batman & Robin
1987 – The Witches of Eastwick
1977 – The Deep

 

Box Office Premieres for the week of June 23rd, 2017

Wide

Transformers: The Last Knight – [PG-13]

 

Limited

The Big Sick – [R]
The Beguiled – [R]
The Bad Batch – [R]

 

Home Entertainment for the week of June 20th, 2017

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray

 

Life – [R]

Altitude – [R]

 

New Releases on Digital Video

 

Kong: Skull Island – [PG-13]

 

TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

 

Jake and the Fatman: The Complete Series (1987-1992)

Under the Dome: The Complete Series (2013-2015)

 

Blu-Rays From the Past

 

The Lawnmower Man (1992) – [R]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

Earth Station One

Earth Station One is a pop culture podcast & blog celebrating our love for all things Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comics & much, much more.

 

 

Quick Flicks

 

Adam West (1928-2017)
The Mummy’s performance due to Cruise control?
The Cannonball Run remake (sorry, John)
Big Trouble in Little China comic series Old Man Jack
DuckTales (woo-oo!)
Black Mirror goes literary

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex072017.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 7:53am EDT
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Episode 42—The Ape is Back in Town

 

Science fiction writer Scott Pearson and his daughter, Ella, discuss Kong: Skull Island in depth, including how it compares to earlier Kong films, its relationship with Godzilla (2014), how it holds up under repeated viewings, and differences between the film and its novelization. Double-length episode!

 

Segments

Intro :28

King Kong Through the Years 1:01

First Thoughts on Skull Island 5:18

Character Development: Kong v. Godzilla 6:48

Missing the Boat on Fighter Pilots 12:43

No Forced Romance, Hooray! 15:34

Kong as a Character 17:40

Respecting the Natives 19:48

Monarch and the Kaiju 21:18

Samuel L. Jackson is Angry 23:24

Hey, This Ape Ain’t So Bad 25:07

That’s a Lot of Choppers 26:04

Let’s Talk Monsters 29:22

Who is Captain Conrad? 31:05

Apocalypse Kong 32:15

The Boat that Pilots Built 34:10

What About the Female Characters? 34:57

Vietnam v. Kong 36:45

Coming Back to We’ll Meet Again 41:19

Kong and the Godzilla Template 42:08

The After Credit Scene 43:48

Kong v. Kong v. Kong v. Kong 49:18

Creating a Shared Universe 52:52

Skull Crawlers 54:34

They Sound Like Birds 55:02

John C. Reilly and the Old Flight Suit 55:40

Final Thoughts 56:44

Apocalypse Kong Redux: The Rewatches 57:10

All-Star Choppers Review 58:43

We Need a Map 1:00:47

Still a Fun Flick 1:04:12

Motion-Capture Connections 1:05:36

Thoughts on Three Viewings 1:09:26

The Novelization: Bulking up the Backstories 1:13:40

Direct download: Gen_Geek_42.mp3
Category:Generations Geek -- posted at: 7:50pm EDT
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NOTE: Apologies to Michael and Denise for the delay in producing this episode - JD

 

On an all-new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, The Mummy could not defeat Diana of Themiscrya, and the other newbies couldn't even keep up. The race is still on this week as Wonder Woman defends her crown against the might of Disney, Pixar, and Lightning McQueen. Can ka-chow defeat the Amazon princess or will she make it a box office three-peat?

 

On the home entertainment slate, Bones, The Vampire Diaries, and Grimm all say goodbye as LEGO Batman, John Wick, and the Power Rangers say hello. Add in some Rockford Files, a prison break, and Denise with comic news in the Quick Flicks, and you have another edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

Direct download: Podioplex071317.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 7:25pm EDT
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For Father’s Day, we start off with “The Great Gildersleeve.”  He’s only an uncle, but he’s been like a father to his niece and nephew, so they decide to get him a great, big, stuffed club chair.  They aren’t the only ones.  This episode is a classically-structured farce with people and chairs coming and going to beat the band.  Then on the science fiction anthology program “X Minus One,” a couple of lab rats find themselves caught up in government bureaucracy.  

 

Episodes

 

The Great Gildersleeve

June 21, 1942

“Father’s Day Chair”

2:09

 

X Minus One

November 21, 1956

“Chain of Command” 

32:00

Comments[0]

On an all-new edition of The Weekly Podioplex, it was no contest as Diana of Themiscrya stormed the box office and made massive waves. This week may pose no threat to her reign as Tom Cruise tries to reboot The Mummy. The world has Wonder Woman.

 

On the home entertainment slate, it's Disney debuts the live action Beauty and the Beast, the Doctor makes his tenth season premiere, and another Disney classic celebrates 75 years in our hearts. He can call us flower if he wants to. It's a nice thing to say. Wrap it all up with Denise and the Quick Flicks, and we come to the end of another edition of The Weekly Podioplex, brought to you on The Chronic Rift Network.

 

 

Weekly Podioplex Notes for June 6th, 2017

 

Introduction

Opening Clip: The Mummy

 


Box Office Report

 

Top Ten

#1 – Wonder Woman – [New Release]
#2 – Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie – [New Release]
#3 – Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales – [-2]
#4 – Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2  – [-2]
#5 – Baywatch – [-2]
#6 – Alien: Covenant – [-2]

#7 – Everything, Everything – [-2]
#8 – Snatched – [-1]
#9 – Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul – [-3]
#10 – King Arthur: Legend of the Sword – [-2]

 

Tops From the Past

2012 – Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted
2007 – Ocean's Thirteen
1997 – Con Air
1987 – Beverly Hills Cop II
1977 – Star Wars

 

Box Office Premieres for the week of June 9th, 2017

Wide

The Mummy – [PG-13]

Megan Leavey – [PG-13]

It Comes at Night – [R]

 

Limited

The Hero – [R]
Beatriz at Dinner  – [R]
My Cousin Rachel  – [PG-13]

 

 

Home Entertainment for the week of June 6th, 2017

New Releases on DVD and Blu-Ray

 

Beauty and the Beast – [PG]

A Cure for Wellness – [R]

The Young Pope (2016)

 

New Releases on Digital Video

 

Don’t Knock Twice – [R]

 

TV on DVD and Blu-Ray

 

Doctor Who: Series Ten, Part One (2017)

Van Helsing: Season One (2016)

CHiPs: Season Six (1982)
CHiPs: The Complete Series (1977-1983)

 

Blu-Rays From the Past

 

Bambi (1942) – [G]

 

 

Podcast Promos

 

Earth Station Who
A fun mashup celebrating over 50 years of the Doctor Who universe.

 

 

 

Quick Flicks

 

Wonder Woman sequel coming (!)
Tales from the Crypt stalled
Top Gun: Maverick
John Wick 3 gets a writer and start date
The Punisher coming soon
Nosferatu, Pandora, and Silent History on AMC

 

 

Links

 

Visit the Chronic Rift site
Send us an e-mail
Tweet on Twitter:  The Chronic Rift, The Weekly Podioplex, Denise, and Michael
Listen on Stitcher Radio

Leave a review on iTunes:  The Chronic Rift

Shop the Rift’s Best Bets or search our Amazon Store. 

 

Michael’s blog at Creative Criticality

Denise’s blog at Accessories Not Included

Direct download: Podioplex070717.mp3
Category:The Weekly Podioplex -- posted at: 11:03am EDT
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