Pop Vultures

THE VULTURES ARE BACK! In this new episode the Vultures discuss their trip to Disneyland's Galaxy's Edge in early June – better late than never! Chris, Eli, and Pat were lucky enough to visit the new Star Wars land during the reservation period, and put bluntly, the haters are wrong – Galaxy's Edge is incredible. Listen as we discuss our experience in a galaxy far, far away….

THE VULTURES ARE BACK! In this new episode the Vultures discuss their trip to Disneyland’s Galaxy’s Edge in early June – better late than never! Chris, Eli, and Pat were lucky enough to visit the new Star Wars land during the reservation period, and put bluntly, the haters are wrong – Galaxy’s Edge is incredible. Listen as we discuss our experience in a galaxy far, far away….

The Vultures are back from spring break and are ready to discuss Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Academy Award winner for best animated feature. With the flood of all things superheroes, where does this animated movie fit in? Where does it stand in the pantheon of Spider-Man movies? Listen as the Vultures answer these questions and realize that with great power comes great commerciality.

The Vultures are back from spring break and are ready to discuss Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, Academy Award winner for best animated feature. With the flood of all things superheroes, where does this animated movie fit in? Where does it stand in the pantheon of Spider-Man movies? Listen as the Vultures answer these questions and realize that with great power comes great commerciality.

Humanity searches for a new home and Matthew McConaughey cries a lot in Christopher Nolan's sci-fi epic Interstellar (2014). The blend of real science, human drama, stunning effects work, and ambitious filmmaking make this blockbuster worth celebrating and rewatching. Launch this episode, turn your humor settings up 10%, and journey with the Vultures through the very fabric of... this film.

Humanity searches for a new home and Matthew McConaughey cries a lot in Christopher Nolan’s sci-fi epic Interstellar (2014). The blend of real science, human drama, stunning effects work, and ambitious filmmaking make this blockbuster worth celebrating and rewatching. Launch this episode, turn your humor settings up 10%, and journey with the Vultures through the very fabric of... this film.

Galaxy Quest (1999) serves as both loving tribute and thoughtful sendup to all things Star Trek. A stellar cast deliver the laughs in this Three Amigos-esque science fiction comedy that pits washed up TV actors against a real alien threat. Beam aboard with the Vultures as they discuss this gem from the 90's, the merits of fandom, and their love of Star Trek in this episode.

Galaxy Quest (1999) serves as both loving tribute and thoughtful sendup to all things Star Trek. A stellar cast deliver the laughs in this Three Amigos-esque science fiction comedy that pits washed up TV actors against a real alien threat. Beam aboard with the Vultures as they discuss this gem from the 90’s, the merits of fandom, and their love of Star Trek in this episode.

Netflix's Black Mirror: Bandersnatch delivers an interactive choose-your-own-adventure experience that allows viewers to make decisions for Stefan, a young computer game designer adapting a novel that drove the author insane. Listen (or choose not to and deal with the consequences, loser) as the Vultures discuss the limits of interactive storytelling, and compare their respective experiences of Bandersnatch.

Netflix’s Black Mirror: Bandersnatch delivers an interactive choose-your-own-adventure experience that allows viewers to make decisions for Stefan, a young computer game designer adapting a novel that drove the author insane. Listen (or choose not to and deal with the consequences, loser) as the Vultures discuss the limits of interactive storytelling, and compare their respective experiences of Bandersnatch.

The Pop Vultures have finally arrived at journey's end – Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The epic conclusion to the Rings trilogy ups the ante in terms of scale and heart... and bucks the trend of having just one ending by adding nine more. Join the Vultures as they discuss this Oscar-winning fan favorite — highlighting what works, what misses the mark, and where they place it in the ranking of the three films. My friends, you bow for no podcast.

The Pop Vultures have finally arrived at journey's end – Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King. The epic conclusion to the Rings trilogy ups the ante in terms of scale and heart... and bucks the trend of having just one ending by adding nine more. Join the Vultures as they discuss this Oscar-winning fan favorite — highlighting what works, what misses the mark, and where they place it in the ranking of the three films. My friends, you bow for no podcast.

The Vultures continue their journey through Middle Earth with the second film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers. How does this fan favorite from 2002 hold up? What are the challenges of adapting Tolkien for this middle chapter? Should you ever toss a dwarf? These questions and more are discussed in this epic episode.

The Vultures continue their journey through Middle Earth with the second film in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Two Towers. How does this fan favorite from 2002 hold up? What are the challenges of adapting Tolkien for this middle chapter? Should you ever toss a dwarf? These questions and more are discussed in this epic episode.

Hairy feet, little people, jewelry, and magic are the ingredients to many a fantasy... and The Lord is the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is no exception – the first of Peter Jackson's epic trilogy adaption of JRR Tolkien's fantasy masterwork that took pop culture by storm and brought Hobbits into the cinematic zeitgeist. Join the Vultures as they journey through Middle Earth to discuss part one of a trilogy so good that you won't want to keep it secret, keep it safe.

Hairy feet, little people, jewelry, and magic are the ingredients to many a fantasy... and The Lord is the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is no exception – the first of Peter Jackson’s epic trilogy adaption of JRR Tolkien’s fantasy masterwork that took pop culture by storm and brought Hobbits into the cinematic zeitgeist. Join the Vultures as they journey through Middle Earth to discuss part one of a trilogy so good that you won’t want to keep it secret, keep it safe.

Muppet Treasure Island (1996) saw our favorite felt puppets star in a retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson's story of pirates and buried treasure. Grounded by Tim Curry's performance as Long John Silver and helmed by Brian Henson (son of Muppet creator Jim Henson) the film arguably marked the last time the Muppets really felt like themselves, with the signature balance of heart and absurdism. Join the Vultures as they set sail to rediscover this long buried childhood treasure.

Muppet Treasure Island (1996) saw our favorite felt puppets star in a retelling of Robert Louis Stevenson’s story of pirates and buried treasure. Grounded by Tim Curry’s performance as Long John Silver and helmed by Brian Henson (son of Muppet creator Jim Henson) the film arguably marked the last time the Muppets really felt like themselves, with the signature balance of heart and absurdism. Join the Vultures as they set sail to rediscover this long buried childhood treasure.

John Carpenter's Halloween (1978) was a turning point for horror cinema. The low budget independent film tells the simple story of an expressionless killer stalking babysitters on Halloween night. The resulting movie was so iconic, it has lasted four decades and spawned numerous sequels and reboots in an attempt to recapture the magic and mystery of Michael Myers, the latest of which is Halloween (2018) — a direct sequel to the original that ignores everything else. Does this latest movie make the cut? Join the Vultures for this years Halloween... Halloween special!

John Carpenter’s Halloween (1978) was a turning point for horror cinema. The low budget independent film tells the simple story of an expressionless killer stalking babysitters on Halloween night. The resulting movie was so iconic, it has lasted four decades and spawned numerous sequels and reboots in an attempt to recapture the magic and mystery of Michael Myers, the latest of which is Halloween (2018) — a direct sequel to the original that ignores everything else. Does this latest movie make the cut? Join the Vultures for this years Halloween... Halloween special!

Murder, cannibalism, and furniture made out of people are just a few of the reasons Tobe Hooper's horror classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre gets under our skin. The movie spawned 8 sequels/remakes/prequels, including the 2003 remake from Marcus Nispel. Hitchhike with the Vultures as they compare and contrast the original with the remake, and debate among themselves what works and what doesn't. Put on your best face, and join us for this delicious episode.

Murder, cannibalism, and furniture made out of people are just a few of the reasons Tobe Hooper’s horror classic The Texas Chain Saw Massacre gets under our skin. The movie spawned 8 sequels/remakes/prequels, including the 2003 remake from Marcus Nispel. Hitchhike with the Vultures as they compare and contrast the original with the remake, and debate among themselves what works and what doesn’t. Put on your best face, and join us for this delicious episode.

Who drew the dicks? Who is the Turd Burglar? These are some of the most important questions of our time. American Vandal is a Netflix true crime mockumentary series in its second season. In this Scraps, the Pop Vultures delve into the seedy world of dick jokes and poop humor to get to the bottom of why this crass mockumentary delivers the twists and turns with laughs and humanity. Grab some lemonade and join us!

Who drew the dicks? Who is the Turd Burglar? These are some of the most important questions of our time. American Vandal is a Netflix true crime mockumentary series in its second season. In this Scraps, the Pop Vultures delve into the seedy world of dick jokes and poop humor to get to the bottom of why this crass mockumentary delivers the twists and turns with laughs and humanity. Grab some lemonade and join us!

Few films helped to define the hyper-masculine action films of the 80s like Predator (1987), which saw Arnold Schwarzenegger and his elite team of soldiers become prey for an alien hunter. The genre bending, self-aware film spawned three sequels, including the latest entry, The Predator (2018). The Vultures join the hunt to look at why the first film is a classic, and to see how far the simple premise can be stretched for its sequels. Get to the choppa (or wherever you listen to podcasts) and enjoy this episode.

Few films helped to define the hyper-masculine action films of the 80s like Predator (1987), which saw Arnold Schwarzenegger and his elite team of soldiers become prey for an alien hunter. The genre bending, self-aware film spawned three sequels, including the latest entry, The Predator (2018). The Vultures join the hunt to look at why the first film is a classic, and to see how far the simple premise can be stretched for its sequels. Get to the choppa (or wherever you listen to podcasts) and enjoy this episode.

Pop quiz, hot shots! In this scraps episode the Vultures take on their first ever Pop Quiz, in which they respond to listener-submitted questions from Instagram. Join the conversation and answer these questions along with the Pop Vultures. Follow us @popvultures on Instagram to participate in the next Pop Quiz, and we'll give you a shout-out on the episode – anything goes! 

Pop quiz, hot shots! In this scraps episode the Vultures take on their first ever Pop Quiz, in which they respond to listener-submitted questions from Instagram. Join the conversation and answer these questions along with the Pop Vultures. Follow us @popvultures on Instagram to participate in the next Pop Quiz, and we'll give you a shout-out on the episode – anything goes! 

Touch of Evil (1958) would be any other filmmaker's masterpiece, but for Orson Welles this classic has always lived in the shadow of Citizen Kane, and has been marred by its unfortunate post production issues — namely being taken away from Welles by the studio, resulting in three different cuts of the movie. The Vultures take a look back at this phenomenal piece of work from one of the all time greats. Also Charlton Heston plays a Mexican.

Touch of Evil (1958) would be any other filmmaker’s masterpiece, but for Orson Welles this classic has always lived in the shadow of Citizen Kane, and has been marred by its unfortunate post production issues — namely being taken away from Welles by the studio, resulting in three different cuts of the movie. The Vultures take a look back at this phenomenal piece of work from one of the all time greats. Also Charlton Heston plays a Mexican.

Many thousands of nerds, fans, and the culture curious attended FanX (previously know as Salt Lake Comic Con prior to a lawsuit) this past weekend. These conventions are for fans of every niche, where people can be themselves and celebrate whatever they love – but is this Utah iteration worthy of their support? In this short episode the Vultures set their sights on a local issue with universal resonance – FanX's ugly track record with sexual harassment.

Many thousands of nerds, fans, and the culture curious attended FanX (previously know as Salt Lake Comic Con prior to a lawsuit) this past weekend. These conventions are for fans of every niche, where people can be themselves and celebrate whatever they love – but is this Utah iteration worthy of their support? In this short episode the Vultures set their sights on a local issue with universal resonance – FanX’s ugly track record with sexual harassment.

The Pop Vultures are turning one! Eli, Chris, and Pat answer eleven questions in an attempt to reflect on their first year of podcasting, what the future may hold, and their gratitude toward the ever growing Pop Vultures community. Join us as we celebrate a year of talking movies with some hot giveaways... and maybe even a few laughs.

The Pop Vultures are turning one! Eli, Chris, and Pat answer eleven questions in an attempt to reflect on their first year of podcasting, what the future may hold, and their gratitude toward the ever growing Pop Vultures community. Join us as we celebrate a year of talking movies with some hot giveaways... and maybe even a few laughs.

While Jaws is widely considered a masterpiece, no shark film made since has been able to swim in its wake. Jaws spawned three sequels, the 90's gave us Deep Blue Sea and more recently we've seen the likes of The Shallows and The Meg — but why have none of these movies been able to do what Jaws accomplished? Will there ever be another great shark movie? Dive into this mystery with Vultures in this episode.

While Jaws is widely considered a masterpiece, no shark film made since has been able to swim in its wake. Jaws spawned three sequels, the 90’s gave us Deep Blue Sea and more recently we’ve seen the likes of The Shallows and The Meg — but why have none of these movies been able to do what Jaws accomplished? Will there ever be another great shark movie? Dive into this mystery with Vultures in this episode.

Michael Mann's film HEAT (1995) is many things – an epic crime drama, a canvas for the paring of acting legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, an existential meditation on the cause and effect of choices, a modern tragedy, and the movie with arguably the best shootout in cinema history. Join the Vultures as they dive into this seminal 90's classic. Have nothing in your life you cannot walk out on in 30 seconds flat if it prevents you from listening to this episode.

Michael Mann’s film HEAT (1995) is many things – an epic crime drama, a canvas for the paring of acting legends Robert De Niro and Al Pacino, an existential meditation on the cause and effect of choices, a modern tragedy, and the movie with arguably the best shootout in cinema history. Join the Vultures as they dive into this seminal 90’s classic. Have nothing in your life you cannot walk out on in 30 seconds flat if it prevents you from listening to this episode.

We all make mistakes folks. Several of you wrote in about something we said in a previous episode – something we got wrong. Dead wrong. In this minisode, we come clean. Forgive us. We'll do better.

We all make mistakes folks. Several of you wrote in about something we said in a previous episode – something we got wrong. Dead wrong. In this minisode, we come clean. Forgive us. We'll do better.

Ten years have passed since The Dark Knight (2008) debuted in theaters around the world. Christopher Nolan's film introduced us to the spectacle of IMAX and Heath Ledger delivered a villain worthy of the canvas. Why is this still the comic book movie by which all others are compared, and does it still hold up after a decade? Why so serious?

Ten years have passed since The Dark Knight (2008) debuted in theaters around the world. Christopher Nolan’s film introduced us to the spectacle of IMAX and Heath Ledger delivered a villain worthy of the canvas. Why is this still the comic book movie by which all others are compared, and does it still hold up after a decade? Why so serious?

Few movies are as universally admired as Jaws (1975). It was the first real blockbuster, the highest grossing film of all time (at that point) and the movie that made Spielberg... Spielberg. Before its release the film was anything but a sure bet with it's B-movie plot and endless production woes that sent the production way over budget and schedule. Listen as the Vultures discuss the filmmaking lessons to be learned and how Jaws became one of the greatest films ever made. Here's to swimming with bow-legged women!

Few movies are as universally admired as Jaws (1975). It was the first real blockbuster, the highest grossing film of all time (at that point) and the movie that made Spielberg... Spielberg. Before its release the film was anything but a sure bet with it’s B-movie plot and endless production woes that sent the production way over budget and schedule. Listen as the Vultures discuss the filmmaking lessons to be learned and how Jaws became one of the greatest films ever made. Here’s to swimming with bow-legged women!

Few movies can match the wonder, terror, and cinematic splendor of Jurassic Park (1993). Twenty-five years after its release the movie remains an iconic benchmark in pop cinema, outshining the latest blockbusters by a T-Rex sized margin. We all remember the dinosaur effects, the music, and the Goldblum, but there's a lot more to admire in this beautifully crafted summer movie. Hold onto your butts and join the Vultures for a podcast 65 million years in the making.

Few movies can match the wonder, terror, and cinematic splendor of Jurassic Park (1993). Twenty-five years after its release the movie remains an iconic benchmark in pop cinema, outshining the latest blockbusters by a T-Rex sized margin. We all remember the dinosaur effects, the music, and the Goldblum, but there’s a lot more to admire in this beautifully crafted summer movie. Hold onto your butts and join the Vultures for a podcast 65 million years in the making.

Everyone remembers the score by Daft Punk, but the 2010 film Tron Legacy can be admired for a lot more than the music. Director Joseph Kosinski delivered a visual triumph that took the ideas from the original 1982 film and updated them for the 21st century. It's far from perfect, but Tron Legacy possesses many qualities that most of today's blockbusters lack. Enter the grid with the Vultures to talk about this flawed delight of a film.

Everyone remembers the score by Daft Punk, but the 2010 film Tron Legacy can be admired for a lot more than the music. Director Joseph Kosinski delivered a visual triumph that took the ideas from the original 1982 film and updated them for the 21st century. It’s far from perfect, but Tron Legacy possesses many qualities that most of today’s blockbusters lack. Enter the grid with the Vultures to talk about this flawed delight of a film.

The Vultures are back with the first ever Pop Vultures Guilty Pleasure Debate (PVGPD), in which Pat, Chris, and Eli each propose a different movie as the superior guilty viewing pleasure. While no one would call these movies art, many would call them highly enjoyable. Listeners will determine the winner, so pop in your earbuds and pull up your debate pants. We also have a special announcement at the end of the episode!

The Vultures are back with the first ever Pop Vultures Guilty Pleasure Debate (PVGPD), in which Pat, Chris, and Eli each propose a different movie as the superior guilty viewing pleasure. While no one would call these movies art, many would call them highly enjoyable. Listeners will determine the winner, so pop in your earbuds and pull up your debate pants. We also have a special announcement at the end of the episode!

The 2018 comedy Game Night and the 1997 thriller The Game are two wildly different movies separated by genre that actually share a lot of similarities under the surface. Listen as the Vultures discuss what they liked about these two overlooked movies, both featuring premises designed to make you question what is real and what is part of... the game.