Nerd Critic

Yes, friends, this is the end. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

For links, shownotes, and the priceless opportunity to troll us directly, subscribe at nerdcritic.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

For links, shownotes, and the priceless opportunity to troll us directly, subscribe at nerdcritic.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

For links, shownotes, and the priceless opportunity to troll us directly, subscribe at nerdcritic.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

For best results, find us at nerdcritic.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Back from a long hiatus, and finally entering the wide world of video, Jordan and CJ belatedly cover one of the biggest sequels of the decade.In this episode...- Jordan shares his new favorite non-movie-related hobby- CJ finds buried treasure on Disney+- How reading the book affects the experience of watching the movie (Jordan read it, CJ didn't)- Politics, religions, prophecy, tyranny - Who's movie is this anyway?- How about that ending tho- The difference between fan service and great writingFor best results, find us at nerdcritic.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

BottomsTwo straight white dudes in their 30s talking about two gay girls in high school.I mean what else were you expecting. But for serious, we really liked this movie, and if you saw it, or are thinking about seeing it, then this episode is for you.And as always, hit us up at nerdcritic.substack.com. We're always around. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

BARB/ENHEIMERPre-shownotes note: CJ sounds bad because he was recording on his airpods like a complete rube.Actual shownotes:* CJ does not complain about the giant corporation he works for* Why #barbenheimer? (the marketing phenomenon)* BARB/* Disclaimer: we're dudes, talking about a movie made maybe not for dudes* Unsurprisingly, we loved Ryan G* Big hits (production design, cast, some humor), big misses (…the rest?)* What we should expect from a movie about a Mattel toy sponsored by Mattel* You can't speak truth to power when the power is funding your movie* The third act culminates in an unearned sermon* A token zoomer in a movie made by and for millennials * Absurdism spins out of control without something to consistently ground it* CJ mic drops on the haters* /ENHEIMER* On the merits of seeing a Christopher Nolan movie twice* Jordan responds to CJ's response to Jordan's invitation to go see it with him for the 2nd time* Masterclass in filmmaking, but…* It's too long, and too “important,” and not nearly entertaining enough* Whole first hour feels like a montage* Nolan loves his nonlinear storytelling, but his best films are his most linear* What kinds of movies earn rewatches?* A discussion of the film's most unironically important scene* The emotional core of the film is Robert Oppenheimer being cursed with existential guilt* Special shoutout to Florence Pugh, who accomplishes a lot with a little* Also Casey Affleck* The visual conceits deployed to keep the audience oriented in space and time* Nolan is a great, very fallible director* An example of a director who understands how to conjure a truly great script: Denis Villeneuve* Where does Oppenheimer fall in the pantheon of Nolan films?If you want the fullest and bestest experience, head on over to nerdcritic.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

This is the best action franchise ever created. No cap.Listen we're just gonna get right to the show notes because I worked really hard on them:* In the banter: Nerding out about Harry Potter lego book sets + one day we will be Black Beard and Red Beard* Would you like to know where this movie ranks in the M:I franchise? It's high. Very high.* Drama sometimes slides into melodrama* How this movie (and the other strongest entries) set up personal stakes* Mourning the loss of a favorite character, and a sincere disagreement about how the loss was handled* How to make a Car Chase feel fresh* Cart sometimes pulling the horse, i.e. theme sometimes strong-arms plot* The calculus of character death* Hayley Atwell is luminous* Ethan Hunt is the American James Bond* Can this franchise continue without Tom Cruise? HINT NO* That train sequence tho (or, how to make a Runaway Train feel fresh); homages to Jurassic World and...Toy Story 2* Best comedy of the franchise?* What Part 2 will have to do to be narratively successful* Why this is best critically reviewed movie in the franchiseIf you want the fullest and bestest experience, head on over to nerdcritic.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Yeah, it's late. Like, really late. We get it. Let's maybe move on?OK fine here's what happened.We went to see this movie opening day, then went back to see it a second time (in IMAX. Again.) and then recorded this episode a couple days later. We were on it. And then I (Jordan) got reeeeeaaaaalllly busy. Too busy. Work, weddings, birthdays, travel, blah blah blah. This item on my to-do list:* Edit and publish spiderman episodegot bumped day after day after day, until oh crap it's been more than a month. Which is really an unconscionable misstep on my part, because holy crap was this movie fantastic. We loved it so much that it almost ruins the episode, which is too long, too hyperbolic, and too scattered. But I guess that what it's like to be in love.If you are also in love with this movie, join us! You'll fit right in.Notes!* CJ's sister-in-law thinks Jordan is a celebrity* Meeting the directors outside the theater after* How the style of this movie (and its predecessor) radically widened the scope of what studios are willing to do with animated movies* Creative maximalism* How grateful we are that theaters are dark enough to hide our tears* Conjecturing a 17-year-old boy's crush on Spider-Gwen* The easter egg of all easter eggs* And so much more!Also this, which we referenced and promised to link to: PS don't be surprised if you see a couple more episodes drop real soon, here. There are like three movies we want to cover this month. At least. What a summer. What they call a good problem. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

CJ kicks us off with a story about a bunch of cops and a helicopter outside his apartment. Eventually, we get around to talking Guardians 3, which gives us plenty of goodies -- Chris Pratt's performance, Drax, a whole slew of "poster moments" -- but also tends toward excess and indulgence in plotting and emotional rule setting (and not keeping). We also discuss the potential future of the MCU, poster moments, the George Lucas effect, and the state of Disney's IP empire.Some timestamps for ya:[8:03] James Gunn's distinct style a breath of fresh air[12:44] Can Gunn do DC?[20:06] Ham-fisted jokes, and Chris Pratt's redemption[24:12] Emotional rules! Why the first Guardians worked pretty well, and why this one maybe not quite so much.[30:29] Even not-great movies can deliver some kind of emotional impact, but Marvel has been biffing it hard on this front for years now.[00:33:25] Disney's precipitous decline is alarming and unusual. Are they OK over there? Someone should give them a call.[00:38:26] The George Lucas effect.Come find us at nerdcritic.substack.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Dungeons & Dragons & so onThe basic structure of Dungeons & Dragons lends itself perfectly to film adaptation. Why did it take so long to do this successfully? Probably because the first people who tried it all the way back in the year 2000 shat the bed, inspiring risk-averse studios to avoid the IP for 20 years. Hallelujah! The curse is broken! Listen in if you want to hear CJ nail the nerdery by pointing out all the RPG-lover easter eggs, while Jordan breaks down what makes the script so satisfying.Also, tell your friends: Nerd Critic is going to be the biggest movie podcast in the world. Soon, now. Very soon.In the meantime, here's a link to a better movie podcast, if you're in the market.Us, elsewhere:CJ's book on Amazon:https://a.co/d/8nqtUL2Dispatches from Inner Space (Jordan's Substack):thedispatches.substack.comBy the Books (Jordan's other Substack):bythebooks.substack.comAnd as always…If you have comments, questions, recommendations for future episodes — whatever! — please drop us a line. You can even send us an audio recording and we'll almost certainly put it in the show. And then you'd be famous, which everyone knows is what you really want. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

John Wick: Chapter 4th Time's a CharmPossibly you thought we had forgotten. Possibly you thought we were above yet another episode about Keanu Reeve's insanely charismatic serial killer character. Well you were wrong.We loved this movie. Yeah, sure, the whole thing is still deeply silly, but what do you want? This thing knows what it is and so do you. We're here for the ballet of violence, and we are rewarded with a beauty of craft and choreography unmatched. Come nerd out with us, ya dumb critics.Show notes!As promised, here's the link to our Substack, where you can come have a party with us any day of the week:nerdcritic.substack.comIf you have comments, questions, recommendations for future episodes — whatever! — please drop us a line. You can even send us an audio recording and we'll almost certainly put it in the show. And then you'd be famous, which everyone knows is what you really want. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Best of 2022 - The Authoritative RankingAlong a different timeline, this episode would have gone out at the very end of last year, or the very beginning of this one. Then maybe one timeline over from that, and still relevant, it would have come out right around the Oscars. Instead, thanks to a technological (read: human) failure, it's coming out now.Please love us anyway.Show notes!* nerdcritic.substack.com is officially our new home. Subscribe!* While you're at it, go check out Dispatches from Inner Space (thedispatches.substack.com)* Here's a video about how Everything Everywhere All At Once is actually a metaphor for the Internet: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nerdcritic.substack.com

Dispatches from Inner Space (Jordan's Substack) - thedispatches.substack.com Growing Up vs Growing Old: A Battle Only a Superhero Can Win (CJ's book) - https://www.amazon.com/CJ-Lindsey/e/B0BBPSXDBL

Dispatches from Inner Space - thedispatches.substack.comGrowing Up vs Growing Old: A Battle Only a Superhero Can Win (CJ's book) - https://www.amazon.com/CJ-Lindsey/e/B0BBPSXDBL

The multiverse is a favorite trope in big studio blockbusters lately. We talk about two of them: "Doctor Strange and the Multiverse of Madness," and "Everything Everywhere All at Once." Other than their very long titles, these movies couldn't be more different. And one of them is good. As always, you are encouraged to see both before listening.

It's been more than a YEAR since our last episode. But we're back. Not like we were before, when we were maniacally releasing two episodes every week, but we're pretty sure nobody had time for all that noise anyway. In this episode, we accidentally talk about Turning Red for 15 minutes before pumping a whole lot of pent-up Nerd Critic love into the latest iteration of DC's favorite brooding orphan.

This is it. This is goodbye. Maybe not forever, but definitely for now. If and when people start going back to the movies in actual theaters every week, we might try to resurrect the show. But if not, if this truly is "the end of all things," please know that we love you all very, very much. Nerd Critic has been one of our proudest achievements, a work of true and lasting passion, and we couldn't be more grateful for the relationship we built with you over the years (years!) No matter what happens, please remember to always, always, always... Love movies like a nerd, and respect them like a critic. ...aaand cut.

Normally we'd attach timecodes to everything, but that just sounds like a lot of work rn so.MoviesThat Thing You Do!Spies in DisguiseGet on up & 21 Bridges (RIP Chadwick Boseman)Spirited AwayZathuraLady BirdThe FarewellMidsommer/the social dilemma TVSnowpiercerInto the DarkI'll Be Gone in the DarkWokeMiracle WorkersThe BoysRaised by WolvesTed Lasso Also, as promised, here's a link to Jordan's new newsletter: watchthisnext.substack.com Enjoy!

It's Palm Springs! Plus His Dark Material and Legion, both of which come with the Nerd Critic stamp of approval. Also, a short (and important) announcement at the end. Oh, and we spend the first 7 minutes of the episode talking about hard boiled eggs, just so you're aware. Questions/comments/hatemail? Send it all to ask[at]nerdcriticpodcast.com

2:36 - You invitation to the first ever Nerd Critic Movie Night! JOIN HERE - https://discord.gg/DY6UeV35:25 - Introducing our deep dive into Holes44:55 - Spoiler-free review of Project Power (on Netflix)46:32 - Jordan makes an rambling, impassioned recommendation to watch Waco (also on Netflix)51:25 - Q&A - Should Netflix move forward with another live-action remake of Avatar: The Last Airbender?55:10 - The new poll: https://bit.ly/3jYVS1t -- Go vote! Movie suggestions? Burning questions? Send them to:ask [at] nerdcriticpodcast.com

It's frankly astonishing that it's taken us this long to get around to covering Forrest Gump. And we can't even take credit! This is the movie YOU voted for, and so here we are. 6:48 - Our deep dive into Forrest Gump45:55 - Spoiler-free review of American Pickle47:48 - Jordan recommends Killing Eve50:40 - Q&A - Why doesn't my mother like movies of faith?55:10 - The new poll: https://bit.ly/3jYVS1t -- Go vote! Movie suggestions? Burning questions? Send them to:ask@nerdcriticpodcast.com

NOTES1:08 - Poll Results4:15 - The deep dive into Honey Boy36:53 - A spoiler-free review of The Old Guard40:18 - A spoiler-free review of Greyhound46:40 - Our short conversation about anime (and why we don't spend much time on it)51:25 - How to be part of the conversation LINKSThis week's poll - https://bit.ly/3jYVS1tShia LaBeouf YouTube musical number - https://youtu.be/o0u4M6vppCI Movie suggestions? Burning questions? Send them to:ask@nerdcriticpodcast.com

- Discussing the discussion of banter- The explanation of our break- Updates about what's new in our lives (a lot can change in a month -- mostly for CJ)- Our radical new plans for how Nerd Critic will become an ongoing conversation- Polls! Here's a link to the first: nerdcriticpodcast.com- A breakdown of what to expect from future episodes, and a promise to cut out the boring bits- A totally unnecessary freakout about a problem that was fixed shortly after we finished recording- CJ completely misses a FANTASTIC setup, then recovers...reasonably well(A helpful reminder to listen at 2X speed. It's so much better that way. Trust us.)Twitter: We're back, and we've got big plans. Want to know what they are? That's what listening is for.

Will this be the very LAST episode of Nerd Critic ever? (No.) In this episode, we talk ourselves out of covering the movie we planned to cover, and then decide to push pause until the theaters reopen. We're proud to have stubbornly (and stupidly) kept the show going for so long without the magic of the silver screen to sustain us, but it's time to take a break. And we'll be back as soon as Tenet hits the theaters, so keep your candle lit for that grand and glorious day. Also, feel free to keep in touch! For the duration of this overdue pause, we'll be collection recommendations for future Off the Shelf episodes, and any other questions or topics you'd like us to spend time talking about. Until next time, remember to keep loving movies like a nerd, and respecting them like a critic.

0:40 - Buddy Lindsey (CJ's big brother) introduces the movie4:25 - Above the line5:30 - The spoiler-free review (the challenge of spoilers in this movie)10:10 - Spoilers ahead16:00 - Jordan thinks he can fix this movie22:00 - Structural problems24:55 - Discussing the idea of empathy for self38:30 - Coming up next week: 7500 on Amazon

 1:00 - CJ apologizes for his echoey recording, and Jordan apologizes for bad audio last week. Neither of them realize no one cares.3:10 - The timing of this movie4:40 - Above the line (and LOTS of early nerding out over the cast)11:50 - A fantastic easter egg12:40 - The spoiler-free overview15:15 - Jordan burps, and doesn't edit it out18:50 - The movie plays out like a really cool history lesson20:00 - SPOILERS ahead (lots of stuff we loved)24:10 - Flashbacks, music, and vicarious experience28:50 - The point where we finally let go and get sucked into the vortex of Paul's story arc and Delroy Lindo's apocalyptic performance37:50 - Shoutout to The Bridge on the River Kwai40:30 - Time to bring in Black Panther43:00 - Getting the criticisms out of the way, and acknowledging the weaknesses in the fabric of the movie48:30 - The respect this film has for all of its characters, and all of the groups of people they represent56:00 - Next week: Predestination (available to rent) and 7500 (available on Amazon Prime)

2:50 - Does CJ's wife work too much?4:30 - James Montague / Andrew Patterson, a first-time writer and director8:00 - Spoiler-free review (you should go watch it!)14:00 - Spoilers ahead!17:20 - Jordan's favorite sequence, deconstructed23:30 - Incredible pacing, especially considering the way it used and relied on audio27:00 - How the story encourages close listening to characters who deserve to be heard29:00 - Shout out to The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), and lots of other sci-fi classics31:15 - Culture of the 1950's33:00 - Some honest criticisms39:00 - The difference between a loose end and an effective hanging question40:00 - The two people we hear the most from are the people who are often not listened to44:30 - Jordan does his best to make sure CJ doesn't get to say anything45:30 - Coming up next week: Uncut Gems and Da 5 Bloods, both available to see on Netflix

Once again, we have a request from a loyal listener. We couldn't have been more excited to talk about this exceptionally entertaining and popular movie. It's actually a little embarrassing that we haven't covered it up to this point. Is this podcast called NERD Critic? Whatever. 0:55 - Rachel Reyes explains why she requested Star Trek6:10 - The meta-data (above the line)9:20 - Baby Thor!9:50 - A very, very brief primer on Star Trek, including CJ and Jordan's (unimpressive) history of Star Trek fandom14:00 - The reason Star Trek was "rebooted"15:00 - Spoilers ahead! (but...come on, it was 11 years ago)18:40 - "This is the Star Trek movie I've always wanted to see" -Jordan20:10 - A shoutout for Megaplex in Jordan Commons22:40 - Things that JJ Abrams is good at: cold opens, first acts, casting, dialog, pacing (his superpower)31:20 - Specific example of great pacing (breaking down a sequence)35:10 - Talking about the characters, the central relationship, and Spock, specifically46:40 - Nero, the other extreme -- Kirk sans Spock49:40 - Wrapping it up51:00 - Coming up next week: The Vast of Night

This is one of those movies that people tend to sleep on, which is unfortunate, because it is not only exceptionally well-crafted, it's also VERY entertaining. We're covering it because it's a Netflix original, and the theaters are still closed. So go stream this and then come listen to us talk about it. 1:00 - Jordan gags on his name 4:27 - Above the line 7:11 - Spoiler free review 11:05 - Spoilers ahead (although, this movie isn't terribly vulnerable to spoilers, so...maybe don't worry about it) 12:50 - How to use flashbacks 16:20 - Biblical imagery and other stylistic choice 21:30 - The planting of thematic flags 24:40 - Liberalism and conservatism, in conversation with each other 30:30 - Relevance to current events -- the value and necessity of truly listening 34:50 - A method of deep listening, and the way to make actual progress 39:20 - Next week: Star Trek (2009) and The Vast of Night

This is a great movie, and this was a really fun episode, but Jordan would like to make the following important note about the recording: Apologies for the low battery fire alarm beeping in the background of this WHOLE episode. I mean what was I supposed to do? Stop recording and go replace the batteries? Instead of just continuing forward and hoping that the mic wouldn't pick it up? Well I was wrong and you can definitely hear it. The whole time. In addition the crying toddlers. Do me a favor? Blame it on COVID-19, the perfect scapegoat of our times. Notes: 1:08 - Ayaka Yagi introduces her movie request for this week 3:55 - CJ and Jordan give context for watching and rewatching The Edge of Seventeen 5:35 - Above the line, and Kelly Fremon Craig's career 10:15 - Spoiler free review 11:20 - The justification for the R-rating 13:00 - Spoiling and nerding 15:30 - The dynamic between Nadine and Mr. Bruner 19:30 - A discussion of the various dynamics in Nadine's family, and Nadine's character flaws (and her arc) 24:55 - Nadine and Krista as best friends and foils 30:50 - Nadine & Erwin, plus Nick 37:30 - The sophistication of the plot construction 41:20 - What Nadine's father taught her, and what she needs to learn, as a teenager 44:30 - Nadine's relationship with herself 49:00 - Send your audio requests! And what's coming up next 50:20 - CJ and Jordan struggle with a bad connection RIGHT before the end.

The Lovebirds wastes its two best assets, Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani, by letting the entire burden of comedy rest on their shoulders. We were both looking forward to this movie a lot, and it turned out to be quite the disappointment. If you're interested, watch the first act, then shut it down and check out some of the other movies we talked about in this episode. 4:00 - Discussing the names above the line 6:15 - Our spoiler-free review 8:42 - Jordan's theory about how this movie got made 11:37 - Spoiling and a little bit of nerding 19:20 - Our critical criticisms 26:20 - The deconstruction of a representative scene 33:30 - Next week: The Edge of Seventeen and The Two Popes, both on Netflix Movies to watch that are better: - The Big Sick - Date Night - Game Night - Neighbors and Neighbors 2

Avengers: Infinity War - TWO YEARS LATER Remember that moment in Endgame where they killed Thanos and then there was a title card that was all like, "FIVE YEARS LATER," and we were all like "WHOAH." This episode is kind of like that, but way, way less epic. OK, for real, we started Nerd Critic just over two years ago, right around the time that Infinity War came out (and partly because of it), so that should give you some idea of the importance of this film in Nerd Critic's history. We felt it was a good time to revisit not only the film itself (TWO YEARS LATER), but also our very first episode. Are we any better? Worse? Exactly the disappointing same? See for yourself. 2:00 - Our thoughts about our first episode, after registering 3:30 - A reminder to listen to this show at 2X speed, and why 6:20 - Nerd Critic tropes (making up words, underestimating the runtime of our episodes, man-crushes, and Jordan's rants) 9:30 - Revisiting the points we made about Infinity War 10:00 - Do comic book deaths matter? (And the vicarious fantasies that comic book movies offer.) 16:20 - Will there be a full resolution in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? 18:40 - Can Chris Hemsworth be a leading man? (See: Extraction on Netflix) 21:00 - Love for Chris Evans was well established from day one 22:00 - Does the relationship between Tony Stark and Pepper Potts work? (CJ wins an argument.) 25:00 - Do we like Nebula? A question which leads to a much larger point about the derivative dynamic between Nebula and Gamora 31:00 - OK...we need to talk about time travel (buckle up) 34:00 - Endgame was incredibly sophisticated and successful fan service 39:00 - Two big final points: 1. Pretty good stakes in Infinity War, not so much in Endgame; 2. Thanos' big chance to be meaningful was spent in Infinity War, but it was a miss 44:00 - We get back to arguing about Thanos -- the difference between UNDERSTANDING character motivation and FEELING it. (Spoiler: Jordan wins.) 48:00 - Things that we got wrong (predictions about Endgame) 52:00 - Coming up next (this part is a mess)

Stargirl misses the point of itself While Julia Hart brought a lovely, grounded aesthetic to the cinematic language, the story, the writing, and much of the acting was quite a disappointment. But hey! We found plenty of things to talk and rant about (as always). Enjoy! 3:00 - Jordan talks about having read the book many years ago 6:50 - Above the line, and some enthusiasm for Julia Hart, and Stargirl being played by actual, successful singer/songwriter Grace VanderWaal 14:20 - The spoiler free review (it's a reach to get to "fine") 19:40 - CJ did the notes! 21:10 - SPOILERS! (Although you shouldn't care.) 27:10 - Jordan basically just steamrolls into criticisms on the back of a compliment CJ tried to give this movie 30:10 - Jordan gets into his MAIN criticism, promises to be brief, and then rants for about 10 minutes on why the movie was an unsuccessful adaptation of the book 40:00 - CJ apologizes for agreeing, then explains the disconnect of stakes that don't feel real 51:00 - Booksmart is a much, much better representation of modern high school, so...go watch that! 52:00 - Next week, we're revisiting 53:00 - Leave a review!

We've been wanting to do this movie for so long. Was it worth the wait? Well, you'll have to listen to find out, won't you? We're so good at sales.Notes:2:00 - On not being alone in front of a computer4:26 - Above the line8:10 - Spoiler free review15:27 - Nerding out with spoilers!24:40 - Leveling some criticism (stay in the balloon!)44:00 - What are we talking about next week? Stargirl on Disney+ (and other stuff coming up)46:00 - A special request: Send us an audio file of you explaining a movie recommendation, and we'll cover it. AND you'll be on the episode, making your case! Other movies referenced:- Theory of Everything (the other Felicity Jones & Eddie Redmayne movie)- Lifeboat- Gravity

Extraction and our 2nd BirthversaryIn this latest Netflix original movie, Chris Hemsworth is a sad god of thunder. While there were serious thematic issues to unpack (and condemn), it was, nonetheless, far better couch fair than we had any right to expect. Plus: a promo for another show! And: a Nerd Critic Birthversary treat!02:00 - Your Brain on Facts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id134791521103:40 - Our conversation about Extraction begins05:20 - Above the line (and particular mention of director Sam Hargrave, an accomplished stunt coordinator)07:40 - Total failure at name pronunciation10:10 - Spoiler free review17:15 - Spoilers ahead! (And lots of nerding out.)30:20 - Thoughts on a rake33:40 - Some criticisms and thematic explorations, including thoughts on the purposes and execution of violence in movies -- "there's no such thing as free mayhem"42:55 - A story made crappier by cynical Hollywood business calculations47:45 - Next week: Aeronauts!48:30 - Our 2nd Birthversary promises51:20 - A fan-made supercut? YES.Hey guys, Jordan here. So, as I was compiling all these timecode-stamped notes, I made an important discovery: we are a lot more fun to listen to at 2X speed. Maybe you already knew that. Well, if you didn't before, now you do.

The Perks of After Life This is the last week or our experimental format, so we figured we'd earned some title gore. If you're still confused, read on! Oh, and for those of you who make it through the first few minutes of this episode, we'll just leave this right here: https://youtu.be/Juzy2YVQgw8 0:02:42 - Announcement! ...no more TV :( 0:06:00 - Talking about the Universal/AMC/Regal drama 0:11:45 - The Perks of Being a Wallflower (Netflix) 0:39:40 - After Life (Netflix) 0:57:00 - Coming next week...

We devoted fully two thirds of this episode to breathless admiration of what may be the best-written show in recent history. Can you guess which platform it's NOT on? While it was fun to pillory Jeffrey Katzenberg's exorbitantly expensive and stupidly-named pet project, it was way more fun to talk about HBO's second, and somehow even more amazing season of Succession.

We devoted fully two thirds of this episode to breathless admiration of what may be the best-written show in recent history. Can you guess which platform it's NOT on? While it was fun to pillory Jeffrey Katzenberg's exorbitantly expensive and stupidly-named pet project, it was way more fun to talk about HBO's second, and somehow even more amazing season of Succession. The Atlantic's review of Quibi: https://www.theatlantic.com/culture/archive/2020/04/quibi-vast-wasteland/609796/ 0:04:22 - New Recommendations 0:08:00 - Quibi 0:21:04 - The Most Dangerous Game 0:32:54 - Succession Season 2

CJ'S FAVORITE MOVIE. And one of Jordan's favorite TV shows. Yes, it seems like he has a lot of those, but can you blame him? It's PEAK TV, people! Anyway, the point is that CJ only has ONE favorite movie, and it's a dang good one. Watch, listen, love. How's that for a tagline? Yeah okay we'll keep trying. 0:05:45 - New recommendations 0:10:02 - Succession Season 1 0:49:04 - Sing Street

Our conversation about Clue leads us into a surprisingly painstaking exploration of modern comedies, and Atlanta reminds us, once again, of Donald Glover's unrelenting creative genius. It was a good week for streaming. Here's to another.0:04:52 - Recommendations0:11:35 - Clue0:36:43 - Atlanta1:14:00 - Wrapping UpDixon Gaines article about ClueDawes "5 miles away"

If our show had always been about TV, we would have covered The Office long ago. In this time of loneliness and desperation, a great American sitcom (based on an obscure British sitcom) seems like the perfect medicine. PLUS! A crowd-pleasing streamable movie, and one of Jordan's favorite series on Netflix. 0:05:18 - New recommendations 0:13:48 - Fighting with My Family 0:30:00 - The End of the F***ing World 0:55:09 - The Office 1:27:18 - Closing Remarks

It turns out a person can't reasonably plow through 60 episodes of an hourlong drama in a week. This is a learning experience for all of us, OK? You can trust that this week, our streaming assignment for you will be much more manageable. In the meantime, enjoy our best efforts to cover what we saw. And please feel free to skip around using the following table of contents: 00:04:50 - New recommendations! 00:09:07 - "About Time" 00:22:39 - "Community" 00:31:00 - "Breaking Bad" 01:09:55 - Why you should watch "Better Call Saul" 01:16:13 - Closing Remarks

This week, we bring you a long-awaited conversation about a much-ballyhooed TV show. But wait! There's more! Due to the massive disruption in the world of movies and theaters, we are CHANGING THE FORMAT OF OUR SHOW. Until movie theaters reopen, Nerd Critic will now be your best binge-watching companion. Take a listen to this week's special episode to get all the juicy (but still sanitary) details. 0:12:00 - Recommendations 0:18:30 - The Mandalorian 0:30:40 - Bojack Horseman 0:50:10 - Stranger Things 1:01:15 - The Big Sick 1:06:15 - "Challenging" movies 1:21:30 - Closing remarks

This movie came out nine years ago, and boy does it hold us, especially considering certain current anxieties. We start this one off with a PSA about COVID-19, and then give the full Nerd Critic treatment to one of the best disaster movies ever made.

Taika Waititi isn't the first filmmaker to find a way to explore the horrors of Nazi-Germany with the tools of comedy, but he does a fine job of it. And at the heart of the farce is a sincere and grounded story buoyed by pitch perfect performances across the board. We love this movie, and so should you. It's about time we talk about it.

This is the horror movie we've been waiting for, never relying on jump scares or gore, and keeping us on the edge of our seats right up to an exquisitely satisfying conclusion. Even more, it cuts deep into the thematic marrow of domestic abuse and its consequences. See it. And then come join us for a conversation.

Right along with Jordan, who often watches it as a joyful birthday tradition. If you've been hankering for a pure nerd-out episode, this one's for you. We also manage to dig into why this movie works so well despite its insistent lack of depth or narrative resonance.

Everybody loves Mr. Harrison Ford, but not everyone will love the entirely computer generated dog. That's OK! There are some real things to love about this movie, and it is, if nothing else, a fascinating study of the cross-section between live action and animation. In other words, it could have been worse. Oh, friends, it could have been so much worse.