Thoughts From The Metal Cavern

Welcome back to a new episode of the re-titled movie retrospective episodes "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before.Today's episode features the nine films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 84th Academy Awards in 2012, all released in 2011. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinephiles think about:THE HELPTHE DESCENDENTSTHE TREE OF LIFETHE ARTISTHUGOMONEYBALLEXTREMELY LOUD & INCREDIBLY CLOSEMIDNIGHT IN PARISWAR HORSEThat's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Death by Multimedia.** APOLOGIES FOR THE POOR SOUND QUALITY. MICROPHONE PROBLEMS WERE NOT DISCOVERED UNTIL AFTER THE EPISODE WAS RECORDED **

On today's next edition of Josh & Bill Talk Crap, we take on the Jurassic Park movie franchise, by watching all three movies from the original Jurassic Park trilogy and the following Jurassic World trilogy.We discuss each of the films, talking about plot points, characters, dinosaurs, destinations and correct pronunciation of certain words and place names. We talk about acting performances and the stories of each movie, and in all of these cases, the good, the bad and the ugly.We also look forward to the new Jurassic film coming to theatres near you soon, one which we had no idea existed when we started this project. At the end we rank all of these films from worst to best, with a surprising result. That's the agenda for this month on Josh & Bill Talk Crap. A true Jurassic edition of Death by Multimedia.

Welcome back to a new episode of the re-titled movie retrospective episodes "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before.Today's episode features the nine films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011, all released in 2010. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinephiles think about:BLACK SWAN127 HOURSTHE FIGHTERTHE SOCIAL NETWORKTRUE GRITINCEPTIONTOY STORY 3THE KING'S SPEECHWINTERS BONETHE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHTThat's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Death by Multimedia.

On today's episode we look back on the legacy of Gene Hackman, one of the greatest actors of all time, who passed away in recent weeks.I will be offering you my thoughts and memories of the movies of Gene Hackman, when I first saw them and my thoughts not only on the films themselves, but on Hackman's performances in those roles, and why he was so important in making the films what they were.So if listening to me waffle on about one of my favourite actors and the films I love him being in is of any interest to you, then press play and let's get moving.That's the agenda on today's episode of Death By Multimedia, the podcast that never seems to find a way to stop talking about non essential things.

On today's enthralling episode of Josh & Bill Talk Crap, we dive into the horror film genre. From the perspective of Josh and his first horror films as the age of 10, to Bill and his first horror films in high school, we take a look back on the first horror films we saw, and the different ways we found them in our own generation.From here we take a look at the different varieties of horror film - the original classics that still define the genre, the A rated films that are still great horror classics, and the B grade classics that are so bad they are good, and then the just horrible tinny ideas that still somehow get made.Then we offer the films that have scared us the most, and the ones that we keep going back to time and again.That's the agenda for this month on Josh & Bill Talk Crap. A true horror edition of Death by Multimedia.

Welcome back to a new episode of the re-titled movie retrospective episodes "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the TEN films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 82nd Academy Awards in 2010, all released in 2009. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: AN EDUCATION INGLORIOUS BASTERDS AVATAR THE BLIND SIDE UP IN THE AIR A SERIOUS MAN DISTRICT 9 PRECIOUS THE HURT LOCKER UP That's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Death by Multimedia.

Yes! By popular demand... from someone... somewhere... it's those two brainboxes Josh and Bill, back to entertain, enlighten and exhilarate you with tales of the unbelievable from the internet. Tune in as we scour the internet for stories that will befuddle you with the idiocy of the human mammal, that are then discussed by the same idiocy of the human mammal. Fun for all the family, [particularly when Josh describes what he would do when requiring a toilet while at a music gig. Thanks for tuning in to Josh and Bill Talk Crap, where no further explanation of the podcast episode is required.

Welcome back to a new episode of our movie retrospective episodes "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features a Xmas yuletide celebration. We have watched 12 movies over the first two weeks of December, mostly new releases, and we offer you our almost-expert thoughts on them all. Then we discuss other favourites that we haven't been able to get around to this year, before we list our own personal top 5 Xmas Movies of all time. That's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Death by Multimedia.

Welcome back to a new episode of the re-titled movie retrospective episodes "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 81st Academy Awards in 2009, all released in 2008. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: THE READER THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE MILK FROST/NIXON That's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Death by Multimedia.

On today's episode of your host will compare the way that Hollywood writers create movies in the modern day, and in particular in the action genre. And to do so we will use three particular films as an example of this and discuss the plot lines of these movies and the characters of those films, and how the similarities between all three of them are actually quite obvious and yet don't really detract from the final output – that being, three terrific action films. So that is going to be the discussion on today's episode of the rebranded and airbrushed podcast called Death by Multimedia.

For your consideration, here is episode twenty two of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. For some 34 years, myself and my friend group from high school have participated in an event that we call “The Biannual”, where we try to meet up twice a year and catch up with what everyone is doing in their lives. The importance of the event has changed over those 34 years, in some ways that I never expected. Today I talk about how it all came to be, and the several stages that it has observed in the time since. The ways that it has operated, and the joy and frustration I have had because of it. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern.

For your consideration, here is episode twenty one of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. With the eldest child having once again moved away from home, the wife away on a girls weekend away, and the other two kids either doing their Higher School Certificate or playing cricket, it has been left to me to hold the fort at home, and look after the dog who doesn't like being alone, but likes it less if I am the only other alternative. So let's discuss the upkeep of the house, and how that all goes when the main contributor is away drinking copies bottles of wine rather than doing what she normally does around the house. On today's episode I discuss my views on washing of clothes, and the way it should be prepared and sorted. I discuss whether or not ironing has become a thing of the past, about how hard is it really to keep your bedroom clean, and the time frame required to make sure the bathrooms and toilets are actually livable. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern.

Welcome back to a new episode of the re-titled movie retrospective episodes "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 80th Academy Awards in 2008, all released in 2007. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: JUNO ATONEMENT NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN MICHAEL CLAYTON THERE WILL BE BLOOD That's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill's Excellent Movie Adventures", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern.

For your consideration, here is episode twenty of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. The world is in an ever evolving state of flux, and nothing proves it more than the recent debate between the two nominees for President of the United States. The fiasco that continues to be the way political debates are held and run is an unfortunate sign of the times, and mirrors what is occurring in social media, journalism and the media as a whole. On today's episode, I talk a little about debating and review my nerdish tendencies when I speak of my own experience with debating in high school, and also the past history of political debates, before extending that to a discussion on the ills of social media and the state of journalism around the world. Following this, I then discuss the absolute joy I had over the past week in meeting up with almost complete strangers from across the world as they swarmed to Australia to not only watch Iron Maiden in concert, but meet up with fellow Maiden fans for the first time. It's a discussion about a mutual love of music that has been nurtured by the good side of the internet and social media, and the wave of podcasting. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern.

For your consideration, here is episode nineteen of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world. Today I explain away the fact that there has been a significant delay between episodes due to the build up of illnesses I have suffered from in recent times, which may or may not be believed. Then I discuss Fathers Day in my world, and how the appreciation of the day changes as the kids get older, and my own father does the same but without dying on me. Finally, I give a quick discussion of two shows I watched during my fever ridden week off work, and whether they are worthy of your attention. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of "It's a Ponderous Life", right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern.

For your consideration, here is episode seventeen of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. It isn't often that a sequel is made and released some 28 years after the original first came to light, especially of a film that was hugely successful but also acted as a closed story from start to finish. However, that has come to pass, with the recent release of "Twisters" at the cinema, described as a stand-alone sequel to the 1996 film "Twister". On today's episode, I'm going to go back in time once again, and relive with you my memories of that original film and how much I loved it at the time, and since. Then I will try and do the impossible, by giving you a review of the new film without giving away any spoilers, and talk about whether or not I believe it is a sequel or its own entity as a film. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern.

For your consideration, here is episode seventeen of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. Netflix has just dropped the fourth Beverly Hills Cop subtitled Axel F, once again starring Eddie Murphy, some 30 years after the previous instalment in the series had been released. And the fact it took that long to come up with a script and the funding and the cast should possibly suggest whether or not there was a need or desire for it to come out. So, now that it has been released, is it worth the wait? On today's episode, I'm going to go back in time and revisit all three previous movies. I'm going to watch them again and share my thoughts, from when I originally saw them and then from now. And I'll watch the newest release, and give you my thoughts on that as well, and discuss whether or not it all fits together and, more importantly, is still entertaining enough to enjoy. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern.

Welcome back to a new episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 79th Academy Awards in 2007, all released in 2006. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA BABEL LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE THE QUEEN THE DEPARTED That's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern.

For your consideration, here is episode sixteen of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. Mel Brooks, the creator of some of the best comedic films and shows of the 20th century, turned 98 years of age this week. And what better way to celebrate that than to look back on his career and some of the most iconic moments that he has been involved in. Some of them you will all know, such as “Blazing Saddles” and “Spaceballs”, but what about those other great movies he has been involved in, as a writer or a producer or an actor… or all of those roles? On today's episode I am going to talk about my favourites that Mel Brooks has gifted us over the years, and why I love them so much. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode fifteen of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. As the title of this week's episode suggests, I have a few problems with the recent announcement of the people who have been nominated for the Gold Logie at Australian TV's ‘so-called' night of nights, the Logie Awards. A couple of years ago I did an episode wondering why these awards still even exist. And on today's program I will probably revisit some of those thoughts, as well as expanding on a few of the current ones. In amongst that are a couple of other quick items which I feel I should add, just for the general amusement of... myself. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode thirteen of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. This week's rant comes in two parts. Firstly, I will regale you with the joys of the communal kitchen of the workplace, and how enjoyably frustrating it can be when no matter what cleaning and tidying is done, the same scene replays over and over each time you return for your next cup of coffee. Secondly, I muse on my own changing weaknesses when it comes to wanting to actually see what is happening in the outside world, and the madness that was on show with the crowds at Sydney's Vivid Festival. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

A Weekly Snapshot For your consideration, here is episode thirteen of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. This week I've had a little bit of a change, going down the track that I have some points to offer you, some things that have happened to me over the past week that I'm just going to discuss with you. They aren't big worldly events as I've been doing over the last few episodes, or remembrances of my old days watching movies or the schoolyard or anything like that. And while I'm sure that those things will come back into vogue on episodes down the track, today it's just me talking about what I did in the last week - which may be of interest to you, or could well bore the crap out of you. But if you are interested in hearing about what I watched on TV this week with my daughter, the movie that I went to the cinemas to watch, what I'm cooking in the kitchen, or even what is coming out of my head at the moment, then why not stick around and check out what I've got to say. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

Welcome back to a new episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 78th Academy Awards in 2006, all released in 2005. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN CRASH CAPOTE GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK. MUNICH That's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode twelve of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. It has been a long time since I have, in the words of Cat Stevens, ‘remembered the days of the old school yard'. Some of those things were great, and other things were not. In my case any enduring trauma from the less than spectacular things that occurred has faded well and truly over time. One of the best parts of school was the games that were played at recess and at lunchtimes. Some of those games involved only a few friends, others felt as though it incorporated most of the entire school. Like all schools around the world, there were some games that were similar to what you would have played at your own school. However, some of those games would have adapted rules to take in the unique area that each school was in. And then there were games that could be said to unique on their own, made up by yourself to keep you entertained. All of those things were what I experienced in my school days, and on today's episode I'm going to reminisce about some of them, and hopefully rekindle some memories for you about the games you used to play. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

Welcome back to a new episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 77th Academy Awards in 2005, all released in 2004. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: MILLION DOLLAR BABY SIDEWAYS FINDING NEVERLAND RAY THE AVIATOR That's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode eleven of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. In Australia and New Zealand, ANZAC Day has rolled around again, and with it the annual discussion and remembrance of the same day back in 1915 when the first troops were dropped onto the shores of Gallipoli, and the start of a battle that has become a part of folklore for both of these countries. In the years since, the day has become one where we remember the sacrifice a generation of young men made in the name of King and Country, with traditions of the dawn service, the march, and the two-up. But in more recent times, have those traditions held up, or have they been overtaken by the need to make sporting events the major focus of the day in a masquerade of celebrating that sacrifice. And perhaps more to the point, is the day as relevant to the younger generations now, some 110 years after the outbreak of what was known as The Great War. On today's discussion, I am going to ramble on about my memories growing up of ANZAC Day, and how the way I have looked at the day has changed over the intervening years. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode ten of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. As this podcast has moved away from being the sports-heavy discussion that it started out to be and has become more a reflection on things I've seen and done and thought about in my life, I have had several episodes which talk about movies and the spectacle of watching them. And today's episode is no different. Like most of you, I was able to enjoy movies from a young age, and especially so in going to the cinema and enjoying that experience. So, on today's episode I'm going to talk about my first forays to the cinema, what I saw, who I went with, and what are my memories of those films along with the cinemas I watched them in. And perhaps those of you who are of my vintage will pick up on some similarities to what you watched, and those of you who are younger may wonder just what was so attractive at that time. So please join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode nine of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. We've just moved through the Easter period, a time when Christians all around the world celebrate the resurrection of God's son and signifies the most important event of their faith. It was a time of miracles and of God demonstrating his power and omnipotence through his son, and a belief he will one day return to expunge the wicked and reward the faithful. As someone who believes in a different set of circumstances, what it got me to thinking about once again is how certain events through your life can combine to create the life you are now living, and how even the slightest of tweaks to certain moments in my own timeline would have changed everything that brought about where I am right now. On today's ponderous thoughts, I'm going to expand on a few of those moments in time that have set me on the course I have been on over the course of my 54 and some years, to show just how much things could change if just one small event had not occurred when and how it did, along with discussing where my thoughts differ on divine intervention and fate. So, join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode eight of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. Easter is upon us again, and as we have reached the period where more people are excited about their four day weekend than anything else that surrounds the concept, let's have a conversation about just where we stand with this whole... tradition... in the year 2024. Just what is it about Easter that makes this time of year special to every single person in a completely different way? Whether it is about celebrating the sacrifice of one man's life for the lives of all, and then his supposed resurrection, or whether it is celebrating the arrival of the bunny loaded up with chocolate eggs and other various animals for kids to feast on without any qualms of their parents (for one day of the year) or whether it is just the masses who are availed of a four day weekend without working – of course now suitably ignoring all of those who still have to work over this period, in many cases without the penalty rates they were once afforded for doing so. Whatever it is, everyone has a different take on it. So what does it all actually boil down to, and is there any way all of it can still be correlated together in this more modern of times? That will be the topic of today's episode. So, join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode seven of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. Over the years, it seems to have become increasingly easy for movie makers looking to make a quick buck to do one of two things, rather than seek out original ideas in order to make a decent and hopefully profitable movie. One of course is to make the sequel, a movie that continues on in the same vein as another already successful movie, and continue that story on with the same characters, hoping to lure back the same people to spend their money without really knowing if it will be any good or not. The second is to just remake an old movie, take the basic storyline and characters within that movie, and remake it with different actors and sometimes a slightly different storyline, in the hope that the same people who enjoyed the original film will turn up again to see it again, but a different version of it. On today's episode, we'll take a look at some upcoming versions of these types of films, and discuss the pros and cons to what may eventuate from them. So, join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode six of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. How many of you remember “We Are the World”? Better yet, how many of you KNOW “We Are the World”? In this day and age it's a reasonable question. On top of that, how many remember “Do They Know It's Christmas”? Better yet, does ANYONE know about “Stars”? 1985 was a big year for charity songs for the purpose of raising funds for poverty in Africa, all of which culminated in the Live Aid concert that became the biggest music event of all time. A new documentary has landed on Netflix that goes behind the scenes of “We Are the World”, but there are others out there on the other songs as well, and this week I binge watched them all, and then put together my thoughts on both the songs and the docos for your listening pleasure. So, join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

Welcome back to a new episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 76th Academy Awards in 2004, all released in 2003. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: SEABISCUIT LOST IN TRANSLATION MYSTIC RIVER MASTER AND COMMANDER: THE FAR SIDE OF THE WORLD THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE RETURN OF THE KING That's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode five of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the weekly rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life, where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. Taylor Swift fever has hit Australia, and for the past week it has been impossible to get past it. From watching the first ever Superbowl where the actual teams playing were the sideshow to the main event, to spending another few hours frivolously trying to procure tickets to her upcoming Sydney concerts, my week seems to have inextricably intertwined with the Swiftmeister. So today, I'll talk about the SwiftBowl and the craziness that surrounded it, the ludicrous nature of trying to get tickets, what my daughter will be doing instead of being in the stadium, and the episode of my new favourite Taylor Swift podcast that I listened to in order to glean some reason to all of this madness. So, join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of “It's a Ponderous Life”, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

Welcome back to a new episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 75th Academy Awards in 2003, all released in 2002. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: THE HOURS CHICAGO THE PIANIST GANGS OF NEW YORK THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE TWO TOWERS That's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode four of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the daily rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. Today I converse on how, having been subjected to six straight weeks of non stop ads telling me all about the returning shows on the commercial networks while watching the cricket, the tennis, and whatever equates to that on Channel 10, I must relate on the start of the three big reality shows that have started this week, along with the three big quiz shows that have also begun their annual trek on the television. In general, my lowly regarded opinion on their existence is what you can listen to here. So join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of It's a Ponderous Life, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode three of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the daily rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. Today I reveal just how I use music in my life to retain my sanity in different situations, and discuss just how much music is involved in my day-to-day life. The way that certain songs can send me back in time to places that I never visit in my memories except for when a certain song triggers that said memory. So join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of It's a Ponderous Life, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

Welcome back to a new episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", the episodes of this podcast where Helen and Bill take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 74th Academy Awards in 2002, all released in 2001. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: GOSFORD PARK MOULIN ROUGE A BEAUTIFUL MIND IN THE BEDROOM THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING That's the agenda on today's episode of "Helen & Bill Do Retro Cinema", on the podcast where agreeing on anything is a full time commitment, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

It's the return of Josh and Bill, and they indeed do talk a lot of crap, and today it has been recorded for a podcast episode. Why not stop by as these two buffoons of news offer you the following important discussion points: 1. Tetris has been defeated! And no one really knew that was a thing! But we discuss the worldwide implications. 2. Dogs eating homework? How about dogs so smart they avoid having to go on a plane by eating a passport! 3. Steamboat Willie starring a cartoon mouse that we are not allowed to name, is public domain, and we talk about cartoon horror movies that come as a result. 4. David Warner lost his baggy green caps. Or did he?! We contemplate the outcome. 5. Jerome Luai has signed with the Wests Tigers. One of us didn't know this. We ponder the likely outcomes. 6. The Melbourne Nude Cycling event has been cancelled after this year! Possible reasons for this outcome are collated. That's the agenda on 2024's newest podcast sensation, Josh and Bill Talk Crap, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

It has been a lengthy spell of eating and drinking over the Xmas and New Year period, but Helen and Bill are back for the next episode in their series of Retro Cinema, where they take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 2001 Academy Awards, all released in 2000. So why not tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: ERIN BROCKOVICH TRAFFIC GLADIATOR CHOCOLAT CROUCHING TIGER, HIDDEN DRAGON --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

On today's episode of The Casual Mankadder, we attack and discuss three current points of contention in the world of Australian cricket. Firstly, we preview the start of the Test series and discuss the chances of both Pakistan and Australia in the First Test in Perth and the series overall, and whether Pakistan's less than full strength squad is a match for Australia's bully boys on home turf. Secondly, we discuss the recent bust up of Mitch Johnson's comments on the David Warner retirement junket, and whether or not he was justified in his comments on Warner's form or his legacy in again bringing up the shadow of Newlands in 2018. Finally, we once again go over the debate of the upcoming opening at the top of the order for the Australian Test team, and debate heatedly the foolish notion of offering that place to a middle order white ball slogger instead of a hardened red ball four day specialist opener. That's the agenda on today's episode of The Casual Mankadder, on the podcast that will continues to roll its eyes at the selection process, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

After a lengthy delay for a reworking of the format (and for Helen to stop watching Gilmore Girls and The Crown), Helen and Bill are back for the next episode in their series of Retro Cinema, where they take on the roles vacated by David and Margaret and bring you the reviews that matter... on movies from the past that no doubt you have all seen before. Today's episode features the five films that were nominated for Best Picture at the 2000 Academy Awards, all released in 1999. So why noy tune in to hear what these two cinefiles think about: THE INSIDER THE CIDER HOUSE RULES AMERICAN BEAUTY THE SIXTH SENSE THE GREEN MILE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

On todays episode of The Casual Mankadder, we preview the upcoming 13th edition of Australia's Big Bash League. Despite the dwindling ability to attract the top flight short form cricketers from around the world, the BBL still showcases the best talent that Australian domestic cricket has to offer as they look to force their way into the national setup. Today we'll take a look at each team's squad, and assess just where they stand in the pecking order for this season's competition. I will then offer my thoughts on where they will all finish from 8th to 1st, giving everyone something to laugh at as the season progresses. That's the agenda for today's episode of The Casual Mankadder, on the podcast that knows it is only a few short weeks until Boxing Day, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is episode two of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the daily rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. Today's discussion points include my recent catch-up of TV viewing, including the second season of "Loki", the first of the Doctor Who 60th anniversary specials, and the reality show based on the TV hit "Squid Game". I also start a version of "On the Couch with Bill" as I delve a little into my current home life and the travails that follow. And I've been asked once again by my daughter to buy her concert tickets, this time to Coldplay, which you can follow in real time. So join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of It's a Ponderous Life, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

On today's scintillating episode of The Casual Mankadder, we discuss the current Australia Test summer and the fact that the red ball game should already be well underway with me watching in the Metal Cavern with beer and chilli chips, and instead it won't be until mid-December that we see that first day of the First Test. The cons pile up and we look at them all. Following that we take a dive into the whole new world of disputed catches, and how the current plethora of batters standing their ground and expecting the catch to be referred to the Third Umpire may only get worse. We discuss the possible outcomes. All of that makes up today's episode of The Casual Mankadder, on the podcast that just wants the first day of the First Test to hurry up and get here, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

There has been a lot of talk in recent times about the so-called failure of blockbuster films at the cinema, that they have failed to take in the kinds of first weekend box office returns that they were expected to, or were EXPECTED to. The movie doesn't seem to get judged on how good it is anymore, it's just how much money it makes in its first week of release at the cinema. So why is this happening? Why is it all about that first week reaction to people paying their money and stampeding to the cinemas? And why is it that some movies get those big returns and others don't? And what could this mean going forward in the creation and release of movies for the big and/or small screen? That's the agenda on today's episode of the podcast that is listened to by 25% of this house's residents, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

On today's episode of The Casual Mankadder, we take a look at two quite amazing incidents that have occurred in the 2023 World Cup over the past couple of days. Firstly we discuss the first ever incident of a player being dismissed 'timed out' in an International match. We look at the timeline of what occurred, talk about why it happened, and the various options that COULD have been taken by all parties involved and why in the long run they did not. Secondly, last night's match saw arguably the greatest innings in ODI history played out by Glenn Maxwell, an innings under both game pressure and body wreaking pressure that it hard to believe that it could actually occur. We discuss Australia's part in practically losing their match against Afghanistan, before Glenn 'The Messiah" Maxwell brought Australia back from the dead to pull off an incredible and incredulous victory. That's the talking points on today's episode of The Casual Mankadder, on the podcast that is still the bastion of all things cricket, even the most unbelievable, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

For your consideration, here is the debut episode of "It's a Ponderous Life", the place where I offer you the daily rantings of a middle aged man trying to come to grips with life where the wife and kids all have their own lives that don't require me, and I get fist shakingly annoyed at the world as I see it. Today's discussion points include my sudden onset of the symptoms of Mondayitis, and just what could be the root cause of this occurrence. Then we can have a few thoughts on Melbourne Cup Day, about gambling in particular, and why does everyone get so excited by it? And finally the onset of Xmas Fever, and the need to count down the days until it arrives from six months out, and how it suddenly seems fine to put up decorations and lights seven weeks prior. So join me in my quest to get a few things off my chest, in another episodic enlightenment of It's a Ponderous Life, right here on Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

On today's edition of The Casual Mankadder, England supporters and websites have finally accepted that their team can no longer reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, something all other cricket watchers worked out two weeks ago. With a week left of the preliminary rounds of the longest World Cup in existence, we discuss the likely semi-final match up rather than wait for the commentators to actually say it. Following this we have a look at the state of New South Wales cricket, as they find themselves in one of the greatest non-winning slumps in their history, and discuss whether sticking with players despite their wretched form only because of the money and years put into them at junior pathways level is what is causing this greif, or if the talent left in the state just isn't up to the mark. That's today's talking points on The Casual Mankadder, on the podcast that continues to derive great pleasure from England's pain, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

Om today's edition of The Casual Mankadder, we take a look at the demise of England from this year's World Cup tournament, and not only bathe in the joy that comes with such a situation, but take a look at a couple of the glaring errors made on the selection front that have contributed to the poor showing of 'Dad's Army'. Then we also have a look at Australia's week, and how two wins in two matches papers over the obvious flaws in their campaign, and what they may have to do in order to not waste the fortune that has come their way if they want to make the most of their now-likely semi final place. Finally, Mark Nicholas as the incoming President of the MCC recently stated that he believed all ODI cricket should only occur in the years when a World Cup is being played. We discuss just what this may mean for the investment in England's future ODI team, as well as what would be a better solution to decreasing the amount of cricket in the International calendar. That's the agenda on today's episode of The Casual Mankadder, on the podcast that wallows in the tears of the Barmy Army, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

On today's episode of The Casual Mankadder, we sweep back to the World Cup in India, and discuss just how many losses a team can suffer before they find themselves eliminated from the semi-final race, and why that means England cannot afford any more slip ups if they want to retain their title. Then we head back to Australia, and your host comes up with a radical plan to implement in the back half of the summer once David Warner has finally left the building, and we try to build the perfect opening combination in preparation for the arrival of India the following Summer. That's the agenda on today's episode of The Casual Mankadder, on the podcast that lives for English defeat, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message

On today's episode of the podcast, we go forth with another in our series of The Casual Mankadder, where we concentrate on the world of cricket, and discuss the items of interest from around the globe. The World Cup is in its second week, and after upset victories for Afghanistan and Netherlands, we talk about whether the possible repercussions for England and South Africa are tournament destroying, or just a blip on the radar to their chances of reaching the semi finals. Following this, it's time to have a rant over the position Australia finds itself after three rounds, and whether the points I came up with after their opening two losses are still relevant after their victory in their third match against Sri Lanka. That's the agenda in todays edition of The Casual Mankadder, on the podcast that knows all too well it can't steer clear of an argument on cricket, Thoughts from the Metal Cavern --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/metalcavern/message