The Nerd Party - Master Feed

It's time for a new series, The Children of the Lamp! It's week one, so we read the whole first book, The Akhenaten Adventure. We follow our fellow New Yorkers, John and Phillippa Gaunt as they discover that they are djinn or what we would consider genies. They can grant wishes and make all sorts of cool things happen with their subconscious. This week was a lot of exposition and then all of the sudden a bunch of action at the end, so it led to a weird podcast episode. But your hosts have a lot of fun sharing personal stories, so this is a good week to get to know us and our shenanigans! Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Blue Djinn of Babylon, book 2 of the The Children of the Lamp series. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

First time Missing Framer Alex Minovici joins Shawn for her first-ever watch of the beloved Michel Gondry/Charlie Kaufman masterpiece Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. At nearly 20 years old, this beautiful film has lost none of its power to charm, captivate, and break the hearts of its viewers - but how does it fare for someone who has never seen it before? Shawn and Alex discuss the film's brilliant concept, its performances, its visuals, and the moral implications of erasing a past relationship or any negative memories.HOSTSShawn EastridgeAlex Minovici

Once again starring Mel Gibson and this time featuring Tina Turner - as well as a chart-topping, Golden Globe-and Grammy-nominated hit song - Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome stood as the final chapter in Max Rockatansky's saga for decades. A modest success, is the film deserving of its cult status?

Hologram RightsStar Trek is often at its best when exploring philosophical debates about the very nature of existance. Holograms, especially the Doctor from "Voyager", litter the franchise - but what rights should they have? Are they "people" (whatever the means)? Are they more than they appear? Or does their very appearance make us believe they are more than these computer programs are? The trio goes through the holographic panthoeon of Trek and other artificial lifeforms, exploring how our organic characters treat holograms and what that says about them. How should we treat holograms? Let's under the holodeck and learn more about what this "sentience" thing is all about.

Dallas and Lee review a double bill of M3GAN and Tár

The Bad Batch Commentary: Reunion.John & Matt share a commentary track for The Bad Batch's eighth episode from the first season, “Reunion.” Given the history of the Bad Batch, the word carries specific foreboding and intrigue as we hit the halfway point of the season and the characters start their journey toward bigger events on the horizon.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

We are going to follow Stargirl on her journey to Pennsylvania. She writes the longest letter of all time to her ex, Leo, for the entirety of this week's book: Love, Stargirl. We follow her as she goes through immense growth, gradually getting over Leo and finding a way to be accepted and enjoyed by her whole community. It really is a story of growth for our protagonist that makes it quite enjoyable to read. The book reads as an excellent sequel to the original Stargirl novel. Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, The Akhenaten Adventure, book 1 of The Children of the Lamp. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

Dallas and Lee reflect on the highs and lows of 2022 at the cinema.

George Miller returned to the apocalyptic landscape with The Road Warrior/Mad Max 2. Propelling Max Rockatansky further into a collapsed world fighting for resources and desperate for hope, did this 1981 flick kick it up a notch or benefit from home video audiences desperate for content?

Season 7 - Voyager"Star Trek: Voyager" was the third (and, to date, last) Trek series to enter its seventh and final season. The previous series had taken different approaches to "wrapping up" their time on television screens -"The Next Generation" continued its more episodic approach, with a finale that left our cast still exploring the final frontier; "Deep Space Nine" continued its more serialised approach, with a final few episodes that was dedicated to wrapping up the story of the Dominion War and give each character (more or less) a proper narrative ending. "Voyager" entered its seventh season with a question hanging over it - would the crew finally get home? If so, how? And when? Would we see the aftermath of this mixed crew finally reintegrating back to "normal" life in the Federation? Or would we see a season of "consequences" from their time in the Delta Quadrant? The trio look at the final season, both what we might have liked to see and what we actually got. We look at which character arcs dominated the last season, where our characters ended up, and wonder if the writers remembered there was a ticking countdown clock to the end of the series.

The Bad Batch Commentary: Battle Scars.Matt & John share a commentary track for The Bad Batch's seventh episode from the first season, “Battle Scars.” A beloved old character is reintroduced, the Batch learns what Order 66 really was, and questions of soldiers' PTSD and its impact on family are explored.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

It's new series time for a cute duology, Jerry Spinelli's Stargirl books. Back to quirky school time, and realistic fiction, Stargirl bursts onto the scene in suburban Arizona, and causes mayhem in the school district. Leo and the whole school struggle with their relationship to Stargirl's antics, and this leads to a quite lively debate between the hosts that you cannot miss. There are arguments on both sides of the debate, so we definitely want to hear from our listeners as to how they feel about it! Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, Love, Stargirl, book 2 of the Stargirl series. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

The Franchyze Boyz kick off 2023 with a rewatch and ranking of the Predator film series. From McTiernan to Trachtenberg, Shawn, Brad, and Aaron ain't got time to bleed as they get to the chopper that is these wacky and occasionally brilliant films.HOSTSShawn EastridgeBrad GullicksonAaron Prescott

Lee is joined by Aftersun's Kayleigh Coleman to discuss her role as Jane in Charlotte Wells's acclaimed debut film as she shares her experiences shooting the film and life since. In 'Aftersun' Sophie reflects on the shared joy and private melancholy of a holiday she took with her father twenty years earlier to Turkey where they meet Kayleigh's Jane as a young teen also on holiday.

George Miller exploded onto the scene with 1979's Mad Max, which held a world record for box office success for 20 years. Starring the unknown Mel Gibson, what made this apocalyptic tale such a darling? Was it the script? The editing? The score? Or was it something else, and does it captivate today?

​Derek "December" Young and Darren "Packaging" Moser recap their three favorite new tools/cons/techniques from 2022. As well as cover some of their plans for 2023. Maybe a new streaming schedule as well.

It's the last week in the Enchanted Forest Chronicles and we're reading Talking to Dragons. This book follows Cimorene's son, Daystar as he has to find his way back to his father's castle and free him from the wizards' enchantment. We discuss his journey and its similarities to his mother's initial quest. We get deep into a discussion of reading order because this book was initially published first and re-released in chronological order after the first three books were written. This is quite a healthy conversation and debate as to the correct reading order which you do not want to miss. Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, Stargirl, book 1 of the Stargirl series. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

Nearly 20 years after the disappointment of Rocky V, Stallone brought Rocky back for an unexpected sequel about an aging idol trapped by past fame and coming to terms with mortality. But does Rocky Balboa speak to our times, or is it just an early product of Hollywood's desire for nostalgic reboots?

Dallas and Lee join Tilda Swinton in returning to a hotel now haunted by its mysterious past, as an artist and her elderly mother confront long-buried secrets in their former family home in 'The Eternal Daughter'.

We're in the second half of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, covering Calling on Dragons, a book following Morwen. The adventure starts slowly as the wizards are wreaking havoc, but we did call that. Asia and Charles are justifiably annoyed that the wizards were given enough free reign to continue to cause problems. There's lots of complicated magic, and a little bit of a quest. There is also some girl-boss energy so you definitely don't want to miss it. Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, Talking to Dragons, book 4 of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

Sly Stallone never intended Rocky to go beyond a trilogy but directed him back into the ring for a fight that meant more than a title, but a statement on Cold War tensions, the struggle to see the humanity in our opponents, and forgiveness for past wrongs. Does Rocky IV deserve its revered status, or is it a curio of a bygone era?

The Bad Batch Commentary: Decommissioned.John and Matt give their commentary for The Bad Batch's sixth episode from season 1, “Decommissioned.” Questions of their place in the galaxy hide behind a straightforward mission to retrieve a tactical droid's head from the scrap heap, and possible hints about Omega's potential come to light.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

It's another week of adventure on Throwback Paperback as we meet the king of the enchanted forest in Searching for Dragons. Mendanbar is trying to answer questions about his kingdom, and Cimorene is looking for Kazul so they team up to get some answers while making new friends along the way. They fight wizards, travel a bunch, and of course just for Asia, fall in love. Join us as we follow the love birds in their dragon-searching quest. Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, Calling on Dragons, book 3 of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

Missing Frames celebrates the 40th anniversary of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan with Ambre Trujillo's first-ever viewing. Ambre has always enjoyed Star Trek, but hasn't seen many of the episodes or any of the films. She and Shawn discuss her first viewing of The Wrath of Khan, the things that work, the things that don't, whether it lives up to its esteemed reputation, and the wonders of Ricardo Montalban's chest. HOSTSShawn EastridgeAmbre Trujillo

After proving himself with Rocky II, Sylvester Stallone got back in the ring, and the director's chair, for Rocky III. Launching Mr. T into the stratosphere and making “Eye of the Tiger” a catchphrase for decades ever after, is this pop culture mainstay a true classic or just a nostalgic whirlpool?

Trek Celebrity Autographs/Picture/Etc.If you've been to a Trek/sci-fi convention, you know the options: You can wait in a long line for a quick photo with your favourite actor/director/writer/etc., you can attend a panel, or you can get an autograph, along with a few seconds of interaction. The trio discusses their past encouters with Trek (and other franchise) celebrities in the autograph line. Who would you like to spend a few moments of coversation with, while leaving with a signed piece of memorabilia? Is there a better system? Let us know about your con experiences!

The Bad Batch Commentary: Rampage.Matt and John give their commentary for The Bad Batch's fifth episode from season 1, “Rampage.” A retrieval mission ties in - possibly - to the original films, and the team learns what it means to have Omega with them on adventures.HostJohn Mills and Matthew RushingSend us your feedback!Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contactSubscribe in Apple Podcasts

Dallas and Lee review a double bill of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and Bones And All

It's new series time here at Throwback Paperback! We're starting a Charles pick: The Enchanted Forest Chronicles by Patricia Wrede. And will you believe it, but does Asia like fantasy now? We are definitely in a world of magic: spells, witches, princesses, dragons, and wizards. But we also have excellent and engaging characters, and that's so fun! Join us in the Enchanted Forest for sassy one-liners and molten wizards, and a stone-prince whose name we don't know. Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, Searching for Dragons, book 2 of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

The Whale is finally released into cinemas and Dallas and Lee review the acclaimed new film from Darren Aronofsky. A reclusive English teacher suffering from severe obesity attempts to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter for one last chance at redemption.

After the hit film and creation of an icon in 1976, Stallone took over the reins as director in 1979 with Rocky II. One major criticism has been that the sequel feels like a redressing of the original. Houselights explores this to find validity or, hopefully, originality.

Dallas and Lee review Causeway the latest A24 and Apple TV+ collaboration. A US soldier suffers a traumatic brain injury while fighting in Afghanistan and struggles to adjust to life back home in New Orleans. When she meets local mechanic James, the pair begin to forge an unexpected bond.

The Bad Batch Commentary: Cornered. Matt and John give their commentary for The Bad Batch's fourth episode from season 1, “Cornered.” A supply run leads to parental stress, a kid on the run, and the chronological introduction of the fan-favorite bounty hunter Fennec Shand! Host John Mills and Matthew Rushing Send us your feedback! Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contact Subscribe in Apple Podcasts

It's the finale of the Matched trilogy and the plague variant is truly reeking havoc throughout the Rising/Society. The golden trio is tasked with finding a cure, and they also have to figure out who gets to end up with whom. We don't want to spoil the ending so this might be a brief description, but you will of course get our final thoughts. Maybe this is too much of a spoiler, but we can confirm that both of us liked the ending and the whole series. Next week we will be reading a new book in one week, Dealing with Dragons, book 1 of The Enchanted Forest Chronicles. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

Trek Time Travel Star Trek, like most sci-fi franchises, has been known to dip into the well of time travels stories, on occasion. It's almost expected for every television series to travel back to the viewers' "present day" at least once in its life. But, on the whole, how successful have time travel stories been? Do they "make sense"? Do they need to? Does introducing the knowledge of time travel "break" the Star Trek universe? Join the trio as we step into the TARDIS, er, slingshot around the sun on an adventure in time and space ... um, the final frontier.

After taking a break to deliver Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, Edgar Wright re-teamed with Simon Pegg and Nick Frost in 2013 to try to get audiences to The World's End. A 6-year gap and successful careers often change the chemistry of artistic teams. Was The World's End another bull's-eye for this dynamic trio, or was it trying too hard to recapture the magic?

Dallas and Lee review 'Stars At Noon' directed by Claire Denis. In present-day Nicaragua, a headstrong American journalist and a mysterious English businessman strike up a romance as they become embroiled in a dangerous labyrinth of lies and conspiracies and are forced to try and escape the country.

The Rising is upon us as we cover the first half of Reached. Cassia, Ky, and Xander are placed throughout the society at key points and watch from different angles as the Rising easily takes over the society through a plague that they alone had the cure to heal. Obviously, we have a long discussion on that and its functionality as a plot device. But of course, since the Rising and Society bear many similarities many things are not fixed and this only continues as a variant of the plague comes along and causes more trouble. Cassia, Ky, and Xander are forced to dive head first into the love triangle of it all and work together to survive. Oh joy, another love triangle. Next week we will be reading chapters 33-63 of book 3 in the series, Reached. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support

After the success of Shaun of the Dead, Edgar Wright continued working with collaborators Simon Pegg and Nick Frost to deliver 2007's Hot Fuzz. This genre-bending send-up of buddy cop movies found success at the box office, but is it the same comic gem as Shaun of the Dead, or did it simply enjoy momentum from audience goodwill?

Thanksgungan 2022. Once more the crisp nights and bright days turn our gaze toward all the things for which we're thankful, with a special focus on our Star Wars fandom. Join Matt and John as they carve through their special recipe for thankfulness as Star Wars fans in 2022 from current shows to future productions to the special bond that brings all fans together. Host John Mills and Matthew Rushing Send us your feedback! Twitter: @TheJediMasters Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNerdParty/ Email: http://www.thenerdparty.com/contact Subscribe in Apple Podcasts

Dallas and Lee review the second A24 film starring Paul Mescal in 2022, God's Creatures. In a windswept fishing village, a mother is torn between protecting her beloved son and her own sense of right and wrong. A lie she tells for him rips apart their family and close-knit community.

Once reunited, of course there must be trouble in paradise in the second half of Crossed. Ky and Cassia find each other, only to have division sown between them. Cassia and Indy really want to join the rising; Ky really does not. Combine that and the fact that Xander is secretly part of the rising, and you have this week's reading full of tension. Some of our mysteries continue to linger, and we are still vibing with the central relationship, so we still classify this series as a page-turner, but we are seeing the cracks and foreshadowing of future issues. Next week we will be reading chapters 1-32 of book 3 in the series, Reached. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/throwback-paperback/support