Geekfest Rants

In Defense of Odd-Numbered Star Trek Films - by Steve Vivona

It's a well known precept among Star Trek fans that the odd-numbered entries are the weakest. As Mr. Spock would say, "I would accept that as an axiom." For whatever reason, the filmmakers never seemed to hit two home runs in a row. Having said that, I do feel like the odd-numbered Treks get a bad rap, even if they aren't of the caliber of their even-numbered counterparts (this theory falls apart around Star Trek Nemesis and don't even talk to me about the J.J. reboots – I will never defend those).

Episode 155 - The Politics of Elysium

Today on Geekfest Rants Carlos and guest contributor Zeke Springer delve into the latest Matt Damon political science fiction adventure, Elysium.  Is this a worthy follow up to director Neill Blomkamp's District 9?  We will split hairs, even though Matt Damon is bald in this film, on the political messages that this movie tries to project and whether or not this a worthy entry into the pantheon of science fiction.

Episode 155 - The Politics of Elysium (34:07)
 (To download as an MP3, right click on the above bar and save to desktop)

Anyone wishing to suggest show topics or participate on any future shows, please leave us a comment below or e-mail us at [email protected]

Episode 154 - Fan Films

On the latest GFR, Carlos and guest contributor Tom LaSusa delve into the weird and wonderful world of fan films. Folks have been filming their own unique visions of their favorite characters and genres for decades. Sometimes these movies are used to springboard careers; others are just made to honor the original source. And some are made to show Hollywood "THIS is how you do it!"

Also check out the links below to some of our favorite fan films, including "Grayson," "Troops," and more!

Episode 154 - Fan Films (34:35)

(To download as an MP3, right click on the above bar and save to desktop) 

Grayson (2002) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQyfQ7RMOXs

World's Finest (2004) http://youtu.be/t3oN3EJcfwE

Troops (1997) http://youtu.be/LvswNDAAZCU

Batman Dead End (2003) http://youtu.be/NUdG0VFFNSU

Spider-Man: Goblin's Last Stand http://youtu.be/uwlo47ucA4Q

Arkham Asylum http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_v_XCMuufTQ

Voltron The End http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1g6QJ5TfA7w#at=191

The Punisher: Dirty Laundry http://youtu.be/bWpK0wsnitc

Judge Minty http://youtu.be/aavS_XUITXU

Hardware Wars http://youtu.be/0ymFxkFfIhU

Star Trek Phase II http://youtu.be/1TL43D6RJUg

Star Trek Continues http://youtu.be/ZtLI0il05h8

Battlestar Galactica: The Second Coming http://youtu.be/_s8heJPX8xk

Ataque de Panico! (Panic Attack!) http://youtu.be/-dadPWhEhVk

Doctor Who - Time and Again http://youtu.be/yi4qAGxoiZI

Bat in the Sun Productions http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq5RHUO6yLg&feature=share&list=SP7E1CB12DA02E2C72

Anyone wishing to suggest show topics or participate on any future shows, please leave us a comment below or e-mail us at [email protected]

Good Intentions, the Road to Hell, and the Moral Devolution of “Breaking Bad’s” Walter White - by Tony Rossi

When he was a young scientist, Walter White and his lab partner Gretchen analyzed the chemical composition of the human body, coming up with various percentages of hydrogen, oxygen, carbon, nitrogen, and more. All the elements added up to 99 percent.

“Doesn’t it seem like something’s missing?” asked Walter, wondering if that’s all there is to a human being.

“What about the soul?” responded Gretchen.

“The soul?” Walter said. “There’s nothing but chemistry here.”

That’s an exchange from a flashback scene in a Season One episode of the AMC series “Breaking Bad,” which begins its final season this Sunday, August 11. Though I’m a latecomer to the show, having only started watching it recently on Netflix, it becomes quickly obvious that the entire series gives witness to the slippery slope down which Walter slides as he sells the soul in which he doesn’t believe.

Click here for the rest of this article:

http://www.patheos.com/blogs/christophers/2013/08/good-intentions-the-road-to-hell-and-the-moral-devolution-of-breaking-bads-walter-white/

Episode 153 - Diving Into Pacific Rim

On this week's episode of GFR, Carlos and Steve V. try to wrap their heads around why this summer's epic monsters vs. robots smash up, Pacific Rim, failed to attain blockbuster status! In the background, Tony silently reads an issue of Entertainment Weekly, and wonders why we care so much?

Episode 153 - Diving Into Pacific Rim (25:29)
(To download as an MP3, right click on the above bar and save to desktop)  

Anyone wishing to suggest show topics or participate on any future shows, please leave us a comment below or e-mail us at [email protected]

Kyle's Bargain Matinees - Walking Dead Season 4 Trailer

Apples don't fall far from apple trees, walnuts don't fall far from walnut trees, and geeks don't fall far from geek trees.... Here to launch his own podcast series, Carlos' son, Kyle, debuts his movie and TV reviews from a teen perspective. You'll find Kyle's Bargain Matinees popping up from time to time in addition to GFR's weekly podcasts and editorials. We hope you'll give the kid a shot!

Hello everyone and welcome to the first episode of Kyle's Bargain Matinees. Today we will be discussing The Walking Dead season 4 trailer that premiered at San Diego Comic-Con. We will go over what happened at the end of last season and delve into the secrets of this trailer. Let me know what you think in the comment section! 

 Kyle's Bargain Matinees - Walking Dead Season 4 Trailer
 (To download as an MP3, right click on the above bar and save to desktop)

Episode 152 - San Diego Comic-Con 2013 Highlights - Part 2

It's part 2 of GFR's 2013 San Diego Comic-Con coverage and sadly, Tony is absent so the fur doesn't fly quite as much! Today, Carlos and Steve V. discuss the non-superhero offerings from SDCC, including Riddick, Godzilla, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Hannibal, The Following, Bates Motel, Dr. Who, Arrow (OK we lied, one more superhero offering!), and many more.

 Episode 152 - San Diego Comic-Con 2013 Highlights - Part 2 (44:44)
(To download as an MP3, right click on the above bar and save to desktop)

Anyone wishing to suggest show topics or participate on any future shows, please leave us a comment below or e-mail us at [email protected]

A Worldwide “Who” Debut: Thoughts On The Twelfth Doctor by Tom LaSusa

This past Sunday afternoon at 2pm, my wife, twin boys and I found ourselves glued to the television.  We weren’t watching a major sports event, nor were we following some major developing story.  Instead we were giddily watching the live announcement, simulcast across the globe, of which actor would be assuming the role of “The Doctor” in the iconic series “Doctor Who.”

Geeks Assemble! - by Steve Vivona

"And there came a day, a day unlike any other, when Earth's mightiest heroes found themselves united against a common threat. On that day, the Geeks were born—to fight the foes no single super hero could withstand! Through the years, their roster has never changed, their glory has never been denied! Heed the call, then—for now, the Geeks Assemble!"