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This George Stevens (best director Oscar) epic looms large. It’s a classic “roadshow” film of the 1950s, complete with West Texas vistas, Technicolor, big stars like Rock (Hudson), Liz (Taylor) and Jimmy (Dean), but no intermission, even though it’s three hours long! It also looms large in the history of the Texas towns (Marfa and Valentine) where it was filmed. I’ve grown up with stories of people tangentially touched by the production, and there are songs that celebrate, or sometimes give the side eye to, the whole thing. Shelly Brisbin with Laura Rice, Micheline Maynard, David J. Loehr and Randy Dotinga.
This George Stevens (best director Oscar) epic looms large. It’s a classic “roadshow” film of the 1950s, complete with West Texas vistas, Technicolor, big stars like Rock (Hudson), Liz (Taylor) and Jimmy (Dean), but no intermission, even though it’s three hours long! It also looms large in the history of the Texas towns (Marfa and Valentine) where it was filmed. I’ve grown up with stories of people tangentially touched by the production, and there are songs that celebrate, or sometimes give the side eye to, the whole thing. Shelly Brisbin with Laura Rice, Micheline Maynard, David J. Loehr and Randy Dotinga.
In a world full of creative projects turned into intellectual property, our panelists join together to choose remakes and reboots that please us, those that displease us, and those items that are out there, waiting to be remade. Jason Snell with Brian Hamilton, David J. Loehr, Erika Ensign, Lisa Schmeiser, Moisés Chiullán, Monty Ashley, Philip Michaels, Shannon Sudderth and Chip Sudderth.
In a world full of creative projects turned into intellectual property, our panelists join together to choose remakes and reboots that please us, those that displease us, and those items that are out there, waiting to be remade. Jason Snell with Brian Hamilton, David J. Loehr, Erika Ensign, Lisa Schmeiser, Moisés Chiullán, Monty Ashley, Philip Michaels, Shannon Sudderth and Chip Sudderth.
We preview our 2025 Member Special, which is about S3E1 of “Vega$”, “Aloha You’re Dead,” starring Robert Urich. It aired a month before the first episode of “Magnum” and features a lot of familiar locations, including Robin’s Nest itself. You can listen to that episode if you become an Incomparable member. In this teaser episode we also read a letter, discuss swearing, Jason brings up some recent news, and it’s basically our usual nonsense. We’ll be back later this year with a full season! Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
We preview our 2025 Member Special, which is about S3E1 of “Vega$”, “Aloha You’re Dead,” starring Robert Urich. It aired a month before the first episode of “Magnum” and features a lot of familiar locations, including Robin’s Nest itself. You can listen to that episode if you become an Incomparable member. In this teaser episode we also read a letter, discuss swearing, Jason brings up some recent news, and it’s basically our usual nonsense. We’ll be back later this year with a full season! Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live,” six of us create custom-built episodes of SNL by participating in a fantasy draft of sketches, hosts, musical guests, commercial parodies, digital shorts, and more. Jason Snell with Kelly Guimont, David J. Loehr, Lisa Schmeiser and Shelly Brisbin.
In honor of the 50th anniversary of “Saturday Night Live,” six of us create custom-built episodes of SNL by participating in a fantasy draft of sketches, hosts, musical guests, commercial parodies, digital shorts, and more. Jason Snell with Kelly Guimont, David J. Loehr, Lisa Schmeiser and Shelly Brisbin.
Greatest musical of all time, you say? Plenty of people would agree. Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly co-direct Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds through a delightful Comden and Gteen score, not to mention dance numbers that have achieved legendary status. For anyone who admires clever, energetic film choreography, it’s a joy to watch. For a fan of classic film, there’s an homage to the transition between silent and talking movie. That happened barely 20 years before this film was made, which is kind of bonkers to think about. The episode title is a callback. It’s what we do! Shelly Brisbin with Nathan Alderman, David Almeida, David J. Loehr and Micheline Maynard.
Greatest musical of all time, you say? Plenty of people would agree. Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly co-direct Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds through a delightful Comden and Gteen score, not to mention dance numbers that have achieved legendary status. For anyone who admires clever, energetic film choreography, it’s a joy to watch. For a fan of classic film, there’s an homage to the transition between silent and talking movie. That happened barely 20 years before this film was made, which is kind of bonkers to think about. The episode title is a callback. It’s what we do! Shelly Brisbin with Nathan Alderman, David Almeida, David J. Loehr and Micheline Maynard.
A preview of the recording from our recent live show, recorded at the Ohio Theatre in Madison, Indiana, our new home away from home for live performances. Coming in March, the full live show, along with video from the performance for Incomparable members. And coming very soon, a surprise from one of our performance sponsors, the Red Roaster Cafe… David J. Loehr.
A preview of the recording from our recent live show, recorded at the Ohio Theatre in Madison, Indiana, our new home away from home for live performances. Coming in March, the full live show, along with video from the performance for Incomparable members. And coming very soon, a surprise from one of our performance sponsors, the Red Roaster Cafe… David J. Loehr.
Live, from The Incomparable, it’s Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night,” a film that purports to capture the 88 minutes before “Saturday Night Live’s” first live broadcast 50 years ago. All of our panelists agree it’s a well-made movie. There are many actors and comedians playing actors and comedians. But does it all hold together? Lex Friedman with Monty Ashley, David J. Loehr and Kelly Guimont.
Live, from The Incomparable, it’s Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night,” a film that purports to capture the 88 minutes before “Saturday Night Live’s” first live broadcast 50 years ago. All of our panelists agree it’s a well-made movie. There are many actors and comedians playing actors and comedians. But does it all hold together? Lex Friedman with Monty Ashley, David J. Loehr and Kelly Guimont.
We send off the crew of the USS Cerritos and salue the completion of the five-year mission of “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” This show expanded what “Star Trek” could be—in several dimensions. And yet it was also utterly, completely a “Star Trek” series. We try to find the special alchemy that brought it all together. Jason Snell with David J. Loehr, Moisés Chiullán, Scott McNulty and Joe Rosensteel.
We send off the crew of the USS Cerritos and salue the completion of the five-year mission of “Star Trek: Lower Decks.” This show expanded what “Star Trek” could be—in several dimensions. And yet it was also utterly, completely a “Star Trek” series. We try to find the special alchemy that brought it all together. Jason Snell with David J. Loehr, Moisés Chiullán, Scott McNulty and Joe Rosensteel.
Another year in the books, and there was a lot to appreciate about the stuff we consumed—movies, TV, books, video games, and more—in 2024. Our most prolific panelists collaborate on a massive list of the stuff we enjoyed over the past 12 months. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Annette Wierstra, Brian Warren, Kelly Guimont, Moisés Chiullán, David J. Loehr, John Siracusa, Dan Moren and Chip Sudderth.
Another year in the books, and there was a lot to appreciate about the stuff we consumed—movies, TV, books, video games, and more—in 2024. Our most prolific panelists collaborate on a massive list of the stuff we enjoyed over the past 12 months. Jason Snell with Erika Ensign, Annette Wierstra, Brian Warren, Kelly Guimont, Moisés Chiullán, David J. Loehr, John Siracusa, Dan Moren and Chip Sudderth.
An actor performing as an alternate Scrooge at a regional theatre discovers the true meaning of “A Christmas Carol” through the help of a few spirits and a plucky little dog in this holiday special. We also learn—to no one’s surprise—that Chris Breen can do an impressive Vince Guaraldi impression. With Austin Tichenor as Carl, with Ele Matelan, Travis Bedard, Moises Chiullan, Liz Carman, Chip Sudderth, Shannon Sudderth, and Steve Lutz David J. Loehr.
An actor performing as an alternate Scrooge at a regional theatre discovers the true meaning of “A Christmas Carol” through the help of a few spirits and a plucky little dog in this holiday special. We also learn—to no one’s surprise—that Chris Breen can do an impressive Vince Guaraldi impression. With Austin Tichenor as Carl, with Ele Matelan, Travis Bedard, Moises Chiullan, Liz Carman, Chip Sudderth, Shannon Sudderth, and Steve Lutz David J. Loehr.
This year’s Ape Club holiday party is 1972’s “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes,” in which the people of Future 1991 use apes as slaves until there’s an uprising led by a talking ape with a familiar name: Caesar. Were the 1970s ape sequels all as bad as we were led to believe, or is “Conquest”… actually kind of good? Join us and find out! Jason Snell with John Moltz, Annette Wierstra, Brian Warren and David J. Loehr.
This year’s Ape Club holiday party is 1972’s “Conquest of the Planet of the Apes,” in which the people of Future 1991 use apes as slaves until there’s an uprising led by a talking ape with a familiar name: Caesar. Were the 1970s ape sequels all as bad as we were led to believe, or is “Conquest”… actually kind of good? Join us and find out! Jason Snell with John Moltz, Annette Wierstra, Brian Warren and David J. Loehr.
Shelly Brisbin with Randy Dotinga, Micheline Maynard, David J. Loehr and Nathan Alderman.
Shelly Brisbin with Randy Dotinga, Micheline Maynard, David J. Loehr and Nathan Alderman.
We wrap up this season of “Magnum, podcast” with a blockbuster two-hour special that introduces us to Magnum’s ex-wife, yet not wife in the eyes of the Catholic Church or the Vietnamese government, Michelle. For an episode that we didn’t like, we try to find positive things where we can. And we muse about how introducing Michelle in season 2 might have pulled the rug out from under all of Magnum’s future romance ambitions. Keep those emails coming to magnum@theincomparable.com and we’ll see you next year! Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
We wrap up this season of “Magnum, podcast” with a blockbuster two-hour special that introduces us to Magnum’s ex-wife, yet not wife in the eyes of the Catholic Church or the Vietnamese government, Michelle. For an episode that we didn’t like, we try to find positive things where we can. And we muse about how introducing Michelle in season 2 might have pulled the rug out from under all of Magnum’s future romance ambitions. Keep those emails coming to magnum@theincomparable.com and we’ll see you next year! Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
Join us for peak 1950s MGM musical. If that doesn’t interest you, I can’t help. Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse dance their hearts out, Oscar Levant levants, and Vincente Minnelli does his usual excellent job as director. We take issue with the plot and at least one of the main characters, but it’s entertaining. And I like the triplets number. Shelly Brisbin with David Almeida, Micheline Maynard, Randy Dotinga and David J. Loehr.
Join us for peak 1950s MGM musical. If that doesn’t interest you, I can’t help. Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse dance their hearts out, Oscar Levant levants, and Vincente Minnelli does his usual excellent job as director. We take issue with the plot and at least one of the main characters, but it’s entertaining. And I like the triplets number. Shelly Brisbin with David Almeida, Micheline Maynard, Randy Dotinga and David J. Loehr.
Several panelists consider Pixar’s “Inside Out” one of their favorite films. Now it’s time to process “Inside Out 2.” Some struggle with the sequel more than others. But at least Bing Bong makes a tiny cameo. Lex Friedman with Brian Hamilton, David J. Loehr and Kelly Guimont.
Several panelists consider Pixar’s “Inside Out” one of their favorite films. Now it’s time to process “Inside Out 2.” Some struggle with the sequel more than others. But at least Bing Bong makes a tiny cameo. Lex Friedman with Brian Hamilton, David J. Loehr and Kelly Guimont.
The ghosts of Pearl Harbor hang over this episode, which doesn’t really have a villain, except for that mobster who’s not really necessary for the plot, and that Admiral who’s just a stickler for the regulations, and… hey, Rick, can you do some research into old crimes? Anyway, Jason gets excited about his new TV show pitch, “Boat Cops,” and we end the episode in a sandwich reverie courtesy of Listener Adam. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
The ghosts of Pearl Harbor hang over this episode, which doesn’t really have a villain, except for that mobster who’s not really necessary for the plot, and that Admiral who’s just a stickler for the regulations, and… hey, Rick, can you do some research into old crimes? Anyway, Jason gets excited about his new TV show pitch, “Boat Cops,” and we end the episode in a sandwich reverie courtesy of Listener Adam. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
Just like the proverbial dog who got run over by the pineapple truck, we’ve caught hold of an early “Magnum” episode that contains all the core tropes. Sexy stewardesses? Yup! The Lads chasing Magnum? Check! Rick’s character not entirely locked down? Uh-huh! Also, it’s some light entertainment about the Troubles in Northern Ireland with a surprise twist! Drink your wine. Life goes on. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
Just like the proverbial dog who got run over by the pineapple truck, we’ve caught hold of an early “Magnum” episode that contains all the core tropes. Sexy stewardesses? Yup! The Lads chasing Magnum? Check! Rick’s character not entirely locked down? Uh-huh! Also, it’s some light entertainment about the Troubles in Northern Ireland with a surprise twist! Drink your wine. Life goes on. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
Just before he was the dad in “A Christmas Story,” Darren McGavin took a trip to Hawaii to play pulp novelist Buck Gibson, a daredevil friend of Robin Masters. Do his misadventures teach us important lessons about how we appreciate our lives? What’s in a Bazooka? And we have several head-canon explanations for an anecdote about Magnum’s dad. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
Just before he was the dad in “A Christmas Story,” Darren McGavin took a trip to Hawaii to play pulp novelist Buck Gibson, a daredevil friend of Robin Masters. Do his misadventures teach us important lessons about how we appreciate our lives? What’s in a Bazooka? And we have several head-canon explanations for an anecdote about Magnum’s dad. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
Don’t order the fish! Old Movie Club celebrates Aviatober with 1939’s “Only Angels Have Wings” and 1957’s “Zero Hour!” One bears a striking resemblance to forgettable 1980s TV series “Tales of the Gold Monkey,” and the other is undeniably the inspiration for the more notable 1980 movie “Airplane!” (That’s foreshadowing.) Jason Snell with Shelly Brisbin, Philip Michaels, Monty Ashley, David J. Loehr and Micheline Maynard.
Don’t order the fish! Old Movie Club celebrates Aviatober with 1939’s “Only Angels Have Wings” and 1957’s “Zero Hour!” One bears a striking resemblance to forgettable 1980s TV series “Tales of the Gold Monkey,” and the other is undeniably the inspiration for the more notable 1980 movie “Airplane!” (That’s foreshadowing.) Jason Snell with Shelly Brisbin, Philip Michaels, Monty Ashley, David J. Loehr and Micheline Maynard.
They’re always after his Lucky Charms! Higgins’s Northern Irish half-brother arrives in Oahu and it’s all light comedy despite what’s going on back home. Meanwhile, Magnum investigates an unfaithful wife and, wow, does the tone of this episode shift dramatically from moment to moment. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
In 1970, Arthur Hailey’s blockbuster book, Airport, became the first film in that decade’s disaster movie cycle. It also led to three more Airport films, and the adaptation of Zero Hour (also a Hailey story) into Airplane!. This second installment, Airport 1975, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It straddles the line between big budget, all-star A picture (the original), and implausible 70s schlock, as observed in the final two Airport films. Here, we’re also treated to appearances by classic stars, including Gloria Swanson and Myrna Loy. I am contractually obliged to say that Charlton Heston is the hero. Shelly Brisbin with Micheline Maynard and David J. Loehr.
They’re always after his Lucky Charms! Higgins’s Northern Irish half-brother arrives in Oahu and it’s all light comedy despite what’s going on back home. Meanwhile, Magnum investigates an unfaithful wife and, wow, does the tone of this episode shift dramatically from moment to moment. Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
In 1970, Arthur Hailey’s blockbuster book, Airport, became the first film in that decade’s disaster movie cycle. It also led to three more Airport films, and the adaptation of Zero Hour (also a Hailey story) into Airplane!. This second installment, Airport 1975, celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. It straddles the line between big budget, all-star A picture (the original), and implausible 70s schlock, as observed in the final two Airport films. Here, we’re also treated to appearances by classic stars, including Gloria Swanson and Myrna Loy. I am contractually obliged to say that Charlton Heston is the hero. Shelly Brisbin with Micheline Maynard and David J. Loehr.
What’s more cultivated and genteel than classical theater? David Loehr discusses Aristophanes’s Lysistrata (411 B.C.E.) John McCoy with David J. Loehr.
A guy in a blue sedan. A man with gold teeth. A woman (Marcia Wallace!) has come to Hawaii searching for her missing fiancé. Sounds like the plot to a good ol’ detective show, but forget all that—instead, it’s time to train for the Ironman Triathlon! Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
A guy in a blue sedan. A man with gold teeth. A woman (Marcia Wallace!) has come to Hawaii searching for her missing fiancé. Sounds like the plot to a good ol’ detective show, but forget all that—instead, it’s time to train for the Ironman Triathlon! Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
What’s more cultivated and genteel than classical theater? David Loehr discusses Aristophanes’s Lysistrata (411 B.C.E.) John McCoy with David J. Loehr.
We know what you’re thinking: Carol Burnett returns for a victory lap as the ramshackle, shambolic final season of “Magnum, p.i.” draws to a close. Also, the opening credits ruin a “Max Headroom” sized surprise! Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
We know what you’re thinking: Carol Burnett returns for a victory lap as the ramshackle, shambolic final season of “Magnum, p.i.” draws to a close. Also, the opening credits ruin a “Max Headroom” sized surprise! Jason Snell, Philip Michaels and David J. Loehr.
Our Ape Club returns to cover 2024’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.” Yes, it’s apes and humans again, but this is a new era with a lot to consider about how history is distorted to serve present-day politics, the value of saving or destroying past knowledge, and the best way to protect an eagle egg. Jason Snell with Annette Wierstra, Brian Warren, David J. Loehr and John Moltz.
Our Summer of the Planet of the Apes reaches its exciting conclusion with “War for the Planet of the Apes,” which starts out as a war movie but continues mutating into different genres as it goes. We really enjoyed our walk through this underrated trilogy of 2010s action movies, and we hope you did too! Jason Snell with Brian Warren, John Moltz, Annette Wierstra and David J. Loehr.