Missing Frames: Catching up with Cinema

Eisner Award-winning comic book writer TOM KING joins the Superman celebrations. He and Shawn discuss his incredible career, how he ended up writing comics professionally, and why Superman is his favorite superhero. They also discuss Tom and Andy Kubert's masterful Superman story UP IN THE SKY and their excitement for James Gunn's upcoming Superman film.

Few writers/artists have had as much of an impact on the Man of Steel's legacy as Dan Jurgens. Dan has been working on Superman comics since the late 80s/early 90s, and has continued writing and illustrating Superman stories to this day. In today's CELEBRATING SUPERMAN episode, Dan joins Shawn to discuss how he got started writing Superman, his favorite Superman stories, his 2024 visit to the set of James Gunn's new film, and, of course, the legendary DEATH OF SUPERMAN issue, which was both written and illustrated by him.

Acclaimed writer PHILLIP KENNEDY JOHNSON joins Shawn's CELEBRATING SUPERMAN series for a freewheeling discussion about his WARWORLD SAGA, his ACTION COMICS run, the upcoming SUPERMAN: BOOK OF EL series, and James Gunn's new film. They also talk about Phillip's love of music and his career as a member of the U.S. Army Field Band, and even manage to sneak in some conversation about his ongoing BATMAN & ROBIN run.

Missing Frames reaches another milestone: EPISODE 150! And another milestone episode means that Brad Gullickson is back in the guest seat watching one of Shawn's favorite movies for the very first time: master filmmaker Satoshi Kon's final film PAPRIKA. Shawn and Brad discuss the film's brilliance, its beauty, its heart, and its all-around bonkers story (which Christopher Nolan more than likely snagged some inspiration from for his 2010 film Inception). They also chat about Satoshi Kon's legacy as a filmmaker and what makes Paprika such a special entry in his brilliant filmography.HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad Gullickson

In today's CELEBRATING SUPERMAN episode, Shawn is joined by Gene Luen Yang, the Eisner-Award winning writer and illustrator behind American Born Chinese, Dragon Hoops, and SUPERMAN SMASHES THE KLAN. Shawn and Gene discuss Gene's love of drawing and telling stories, how he self-published his works while teaching full time, and how he transitioned into the realm of professional comic book publishing. They also discuss the origins of Superman Smashes the Klan and how his personal experiences as a Chinese-American helped him expand upon the classic 1940s radio show story for his adaptation. 

No Superman Celebration would be complete without honoring Richard Donner and his 1978 masterpiece, SUPERMAN, starring Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder, Gene Hackman, and Marlon Brando. Donner's visionary film not only invented the "Comic Book Movie," it helped launch the era of modern blockbusters, standing proudly alongside the likes of Steven Spielberg's Jaws and George Lucas' Star Wars.In this episode, Shawn celebrates Donner's legacy with none other than LAUREN SHULER DONNER, the love of Donner's life and one of Hollywood's most accomplished producers. Her credits include Mr. Mom, Pretty in Pink, Free Willy, You've Got Mail, and the entire X-Men franchise. Join Lauren and Shawn as they reflect on Richard “Dick” Donner's incredible life, career, and his enduring impact on the legacy of Superman.

The Aspiring Kryptonian TASMIN HUMPHRIES joins in on the Superman celebrations! Tasmin runs the UK's largest Superman site, sports a massive Superman collection, and is an all-around awesome person. She and Shawn discuss how she became a Superman fan, how becoming parents has challenged their Superman merch collecting impulses, and their excitement for James Gunn's upcoming film. 

Shawn continues his CELEBRATING SUPERMAN series with SUPERMAN & LOIS writers JULIANA JAMES and ADAM MALLINGER. Adam joined Superman & Lois as a Writer's Assistant in Season 1 before being upgraded to Staff Writer for Season 2. Juliana joined in on all the excitement during Season 2, serving as both Executive Story Editor and Co-Producer. Both Juliana and Adam share all kinds of great behind the scenes tidbits and discuss the challenges of television writing and the importance living up to the Superman legacy.  Read Adam's blog post about writing his first Superman & Lois episode.

HAPPY SUPERMAN DAY! Celebrate the occasion with Missing Frames' continuing CELEBRATING SUPERMAN series. In this episode, Shawn is joined by JASON AARON, the esteemed writer behind the new ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN series. Jason's Absolute run is reimagining everything we know about this legendary character and it's already shaping up to be one of the Man of Steel's all-time greats. Jason and Shawn discuss the origins of this run, how to strike the fine balance between "reverence" and "revamp" and, most importantly, which side of the "TRUNKS or NO TRUNKS" debate Jason falls on. 

Shawn continues his Superman celebrations with JOSIE CAMPBELL, the Co-Showrunner and Head Writer for the magnificent animated series MY ADVENTURES WITH SUPERMAN. Shawn and Josie discuss how Josie got her start as a writer, how she got involved with My Adventures with Superman, how the series was pitched as a romantic comedy with punching, and why Superman's heart is his greatest superpower. 

After more than a year of watching and reviewing the GODZILLA FRANCHISE, the Franchyze Boiz have finally reached its conclusion with THE REIWA ERA. This era includes the films:Shin GodzillaGodzilla: Planet of the MonstersGodzilla: The Planet EaterGodzilla: City on the Edge of BattleGodzilla Minus OneShawn, Brad, and Aaron also share their top five Godzilla film rankings, their favorite battles, and their favorite kaiju. HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron Prescott

For 30 years, the SUPERMAN HOMEPAGE has been the Internet's prime spot for anything and everything SUPERMAN. The site's owner, Steve Younis, joins Shawn to discuss all things Man of Steel! During their conversation, Steve shares the origins of the Superman Homepage in the early days of the Internet, how the site started to gain traction during the late 90s as Tim Burton's SUPERMAN LIVES production, and how the site's popularity exploded when SUPERMAN RETURNS went into production. Shawn and Steve also discuss their anticipation of James Gunn's new film and speculate on what DC has in store for Superman fans during Cinema Con (April 1) and Superman Day (April 18). 

The CELEBRATING SUPERMAN series continues with Eisner award winner MIKE CARLIN, the legendary group editor of Superman comics through the late 80s and 90s. During his beloved Superman tenure, Mike helped lead an all-star team of writers and artists, including the likes of John Byrne, Dan Jurgens, Roger Stern, Jerry Ordway, Louise Simonson, Jon Bogdanove, AND MORE. He oversaw such game-changing stories as THE DEATH/RETURN OF SUPERMAN story arc and spearheaded a number of creative decisions that have shaped the character and had major influence on not just the comics themselves but adaptations such as the 1990s Lois & Clark television series and even James Gunn's new film.In their conversation, Shawn and Mike discuss how Mike got into comics, what eventually brought him over to DC, why he and the Superman creative team decided to kill Superman, and an angry phone call from Harlan Ellison once the news of Superman's death hit the mainstream.Episode art illustrated by Jon Bogdanove and Dennis Janke, kindly provided by Mr. Carlin.

The CELEBRATING SUPERMAN series continues! In this episode, Shawn chats with MORGAN SIEBERT, owner of the SUPER MUSEUM in Metropolis, Illinois, and daughter of Super Museum founder JIM HAMBRICK. Though Jim sadly passed away in December 2024, his spirit lives on through his family and this incredible space, which houses one of the largest collections of Superman memorabilia in the entire world. Shawn and Morgan celebrate Jim's life with stories about how his collection got started, what it was like growing up with a dad who loved collection Superman items, and their excitement for the upcoming SUPERMAN CELEBRATION on June 13-15, in Metropolis, Illinois.Learn more about the Super Museum at supermuseum.com.Learn more about the 2025 Superman Celebration at supermancelebration.net.

To celebrate the release of James Gunn's SUPERMAN on July 11th, Shawn is kicking off a new podcasting project under the Missing Frames: Between Takes umbrella: CELEBRATING SUPERMAN. In the weeks and months leading up to the film's release, Shawn will be interviewing Superman writers, artists, filmmakers, artists, fans, etc. to celebrate the greatest superhero of all time. The first guest of this Celebrating Superman series is none other than legendary comic book writer MARK WAID. In the course of his incredible career, Mark has written over 2,000 comics, including one of Shawn's absolute favorite Superman stories: SUPERMAN: BIRTHRIGHT. During the conversation, Shawn and Mark discuss how Mark became a Superman fan, the DC editor who disliked Birthright so much he decided it was no longer the canonical Superman origin story, and the moment in the new trailer that made them both cry. They also discuss Mark's projects, both old and new, including Shawn's love for his WORLD'S FINEST fun and an update on THE LAST DAYS OF LEX LUTHOR.

Ambre Trujillo returns to Missing Frames to introduce Shawn to one of her favorite films, Ron Howard's A BEAUTIFUL MIND, starring Russell Crowe and Jennifer Connelly. Shawn has held a grudge against A Beautiful Mind ever since it beat The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring for Best Picture. Will this long-overdue viewing show him the error of his stubborn, nerdy ways?HOSTSShawn EastridgeAmbre Trujillo

To celebrate Valentine's Day, Shawn's wife Sarah introduces him to one of her favorite romantic comedies: WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING, starring Sandra Bullock and Bill Pullman. HOSTSShawn EastridgeSarah Eastridge

Spencer Tweedy returns to Missing Frames to discuss James Mangold's new Bob Dylan biopic A COMPLETE UNKNOWN, starring Timothée Chalamet, Monica Barbaro, Elle Fanning, and Edward Norton. As massive Dylan fans, both Shawn and Spencer were nervous about how the film would handle the legendary artist. Did it make or break their expectations? Tune in to find out!HOSTSShawn EastridgeSpencer Tweedy

Nic and Dani Smaldwin of the In Love, With Movies podcast, join Shawn for Missing Frames' first episode of 2025! The frame that's missing? Gary Ross' Pleasantville, a film that Nic adores but that Shawn and Dani have never seen. Since its release in 1998, Pleasantville seems to have been mostly forgotten, but the trio discusses why it's a much better film than people give it credit for.  HOSTS Shawn Eastridge Dani Smaldwin  Nic Smaldwin

The Franchyze Boiz return to take on the American portion of the GODZILLA franchise. The films in this era include:Godzilla (1998)Godzilla (2014)Godzilla: King of the MonstersGodzilla vs. KongGodzilla x Kong: The New EmpireHOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron Prescott

The Franchyze Boiz continue their Godzilla 70th anniversary celebration with a rewatch and review of the series' entire Millennium era. This era includes the following six films:Godzilla 2000Godzilla vs. MegaguirusGodzilla, Mothra and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out AttackGodzilla Against MechagodzillaGodzilla: Tokyo SOSGodzilla Final WarsHOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron Prescott

Spencer Tweedy returns to Missing Frames to discuss his first ever viewing of Damien Chazelle's WHIPLASH, just in time for the film's 10th anniversary! (2024 also marks the ten-year anniversary of SUKIERAE, the brilliant album Spencer made with his dad, Wilco founder Jeff Tweedy.) As a drummer, Spencer has always wanted to see Whiplash, but has never gotten around to it. Shawn has been a fan of the film since its release, but it's been a minute since he last watched it. In their freewheeling discussion, Shawn and Spencer discuss whether Whiplash lives up to its esteemed reputation and the concept of pain and adversity as a necessity for making great art.Check out Spencer's website at spencertweedy.com, and check out his books Observations: Year Two and Mirror Sound: A Look Into the People and Processes Behind Self-Recorded Music.HOSTSShawn EastridgeSpencer Tweedy

The one and only Carley Cooper returns to introduce Shawn to Robert Zemeckis' DEATH BECOMES HER. Sandwiched between two of Zemeckis' most-beloved films (Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and Forrest Gump), Death Becomes Her has always been a bit neglected. But the film made major strides for the special effects industry, ultimately winning the Oscar for Best Visual Effects in 1993, and paving the way for CGI to thrive in film's like Jurassic Park. Does the film work beyond its landmark effects? Tune in to find out what Shawn and Carley think!HOSTSShawn EastridgeCarley Cooper

To celebrate the release of its long-awaited sequel, Shawn introduces his wife Sarah to Tim Burton's much-adored, classic horror-comedy BEETLEJUICE, starring Michael Keaton, Alec Baldwin, Geena Davis, Winona Ryder, and Catherine O'Hara. HOSTSShawn EastridgeSarah Eastridge

The Franchyze Boiz continue their celebration of GODZILLA'S 70th anniversary with a re-watch and review of the entire HEISEI ERA. This era includes the following films:The Return of Godzilla (1984)Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993)Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron Prescott

The Franchyze Boiz continue their celebration of GODZILLA'S 70th anniversary with a re-watch and review of the entire HEISEI ERA. This era includes the following films:The Return of Godzilla (1984)Godzilla vs. Biollante (1989)Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991)Godzilla vs. Mothra (1992)Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla II (1993)Godzilla vs. SpaceGodzilla (1994)Godzilla vs. Destoroyah (1995)HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron Prescott

As a massive Coen Brothers fan, Shea Weekley has always wanted to see their first feature Blood Simple, but hasn't had the opportunity. Now he's finally getting around to it and he and Shawn have many many thoughts on the Coens' feature directorial debut and why it's an absolute banger.HOSTSShawn EastridgeShea Weekley

Brian Bitner of the Beyond the Screenplay podcast returns to Missing Frames to introduce Shawn to one of his all-time favorite movies: John Cameron Mitchell's beloved cult musical HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH.HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrian Bitner

Five years after Shawn introduced his good friend TC Padgett to Ridley Scott's Alien, TC returns to watch James Cameron's masterful sequel ALIENS. Does TC think it holds a candle to Scott's horror classic, or will he be disappointed by Cameron's wham-bam-thank you ma'am aesthetic?HOSTSShawn EastridgeTC Padgett

Brad Gullickson and John Mills celebrate 140 episodes of Missing Frames by introducing Shawn to John Carpenter's beloved cult classic Escape from New York and its much-maligned (perhaps unfairly?) sequel Escape from LA. HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonJohn Mills

Carley Cooper simply would not rest until she'd introduced Shawn to the astonishing, remarkable, time-bending effort that is LOVE ON A LEASH, a film belongs in the annals with the likes of Tommy Wiseau's The Room and Neil Breen's Fateful Findings. It's a film so strange, so overwhelming, so baffling, that it took Shawn and Carley a year to reunite after they recorded the first part of this episode to record part two, a historic first for Missing Frames. Will they survive the experience and live to record another podcast on another day? Only time will tell.HOSTSShawn EastridgeCarley Cooper

Forgive the audio hiccups and join Shawn and Sarah as they recount their feelings on Denis Villeneuve's DUNE PART ONE on their way to see DUNE PART TWO in glorious 70mm IMAX. Then, on their way back from the theater, they share their thoughts on PART TWO and their hopes for the franchise's future.HOSTSShawn EastridgeSarah Eastridge

Missing Frames' resident Marilyn Monroe expert Carley Cooper returns to educate Shawn in the ways of Howard Hawks' GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES and to discuss its surprisingly contemporary take on female friendships.HOSTSShawn EastridgeCarley Cooper

The Godzilla 70th anniversary celebration continues! The Franchyze Boiz reunite to continue their rewatch/review of Godzilla's Showa Era. This episode includes reviews of the following films in the franchise:Destroy All MonstersAll Monsters AttackGodzilla vs. HedorahGodzilla vs. GiganGodzilla vs. MegalonGodzilla vs. MechagodzillaTerror of MechagodzillaHOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron Prescott

Actor/writer extraordinaire Richie Pepio returns to Missing Frames to introduce Shawn to the abundant wonders of Frank Oz's 1986 adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors, starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Steve Martin, and Levi Stubbs as Audrey II. While some musicals can collapse during the transition from stage to silver screen, Richie and Shawn discuss why Oz's confident direction and a great cast make this cinematic musical one of the best.HOSTSShawn EastridgeRichie Pepio

To prepare for Paul King's Wonka prequel (and just in time for the holiday season!), Shawn introduces his wife Sarah to Mel Stuart's beloved 1971 adaptation ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.' Find out what Sarah thought of the film, the songs, the adorable Charlie, the other bratty children, Gene Wilder's performance, and Roald Dahl's negative reaction to the final product.HOSTSShawn EastridgeSarah EastridgeThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169661/advertisement

To celebrate Godzilla's 70th anniversary and the recent, stateside release of GODZILLA MINUS ONE, The Franchyze Boiz–Shawn Eastridge, Brad Gullickson, and Aaron Prescott–return for the first part of an epic rewatch/review of the ENTIRE Godzilla franchise. This episode covers the first eight films of Godzilla's Showa Era:Godzilla (1954)Godzilla Raids AgainKing Kong vs. GodzillaMothra vs. GodzillaGhidorah, the Three-Headed MonsterInvasion of Astro-MonsterEbirah, Horror of the DeepSon of GodzillaHOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron PrescottThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169661/advertisement

With spooky season well underway, John Mills returns to Missing Frames to introduce Shawn to Francis Ford Coppola's much-maligned and (perhaps) misunderstood adaptation of Bram Stoker's Dracula. John insists that, despite its many flaws, Coppola's horror film is worth your time. Will Shawn feel the same way?HOSTSShawn EastridgeJohn MillsThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169661/advertisement

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, A24 has released a newly restored 4K edition of the Jonathan Demme/Talking Heads concert film STOP MAKING SENSE. Talking Heads is one of Missing Frames host Shawn Eastridge's all-time favorite bands, and he considers Stop Making Sense to be the finest example of the genre.In this episode, Shawn introduces this beloved masterpiece to Spencer Tweedy. Spencer is not only an amazing musician and artist in his own right, he's also the son of Jeff Tweedy, lead singer and founder of Shawn's other favorite band Wilco.Join Shawn and Spencer as they discuss the brilliance of Talking Heads, the film's unbridled joyousness, and the David Byrne dance moves Jeff Tweedy should adopt in future performances. Find Stop Making Sense showtimes and purchase tickets on A24's website.Check out Spencer Tweedy's writings and music at spencertweedy.com.Listen to Wilco's newly released album COUSIN.HOSTSShawn EastridgeSpencer TweedyThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169661/advertisement

The Franchyze Boiz reunite to celebrate the release of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny with a rewatch of the entire Indiana Jones franchise. Which Indy adventure is the best? Which is the worst? And does Dial of Destiny serve as a fitting farewell for everyone's favorite archaeologist? Tune in to find out!Find Aaron Prescott's Letterboxd film reviews hereAnd if you haven't already, make sure to check out Brad and his wife Lisa's excellent Comic Book Couples Counseling Podcast!HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron PrescottThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169661/advertisement

Celebrate Memorial Day weekend with a movie most people are desparate to forget. Returning Missing Framer Matthew Schott joins Shawn in introducing their friend Trevor Black to the much maligned 1993 Super Mario Bros. film. Along the way they'll debate whether the 2023 Super Mario Bros. film is actually an improvement or if the '93 film takes the cake for creative risks and originality. HOSTSSHAWN EASTRIDGETREVOR BLACKMATTHEW SCHOTTThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169661/advertisement

Four years after their first hangout/conversation at the 2019 Atlanta Film Festival, Shawn reunites with filmmaker Joel Jay Blacker to discuss his new short film 'Don't Let Kyle Sit Down,' his production company Sappy Bear, and all the fun stuff he's been up to since their last chat.HOSTSSHAWN EASTRIDGEJOEL JAY BLACKERThis show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3169661/advertisement