"Episode 184" - JOEL SCHUMACHER'S BATMAN FOREVER

When an auteur filmmaker's ambitious vision is compromised by the Hollywood studio system, what's the right thing to do? Demand a do-over, of course! And thanks to years of persistent pleas from fans everywhere, we finally get to experience our generation's defining DC comic book movie event the way its creator intended.

That's right, we have seen the Schumacher Cut of Batman Forever... What? Were you expecting something else?

Guests from our theatrical cut episode Gensho Tasaka and Eric Wheeler re-enter the Batcave to debate all the changes, from the Flying Graysons singing an Icelandic sea shanty to the controversial inclusion of Mark Hamill as the Joker in that weird nightmare sequence. Brian Rudloff and Sam Stovold also join the roundtable, bringing not-so-trivial expertise from their own Batman Forever podcast (bafflingly titled Marvel Star Wars Explorers). 

Holy April Fool's Day, Batman! We wish! 

#ReleaseTheSchumacherCut

Episode 166 - THE ROCKETEER

"The Rocka-Who?" So said initial audiences of The Rocketeer, a film with blockbuster-sized expectations that struggled to stay aloft in an atmosphere thick with more familiar pulpy comic book franchises. But over the years, that anonymity may have given rise to something more important: relatability. The movie certainly ignited our imaginations, thanks to a winning combination of art deco sleekness, high flying thrills, and old school optimism.

Eric Wheeler drops in like a bolt from the blue to give us his perspective on how the film takes inspiration from Hollywood's Golden Age, and helps us get to the bottom of The Rocketeer's appeal as a blueprint for the makings of a true hero. Go get 'em, kid!

The Rocketeer (1991)
Directed by Joe Johnston
Produced by Charles Gordon, Lawrence Gordon, and Lloyd Levin
Screenplay by Danny Bilson and Paul De Meo
Based on The Rocketeer by Dave Stevens
Starring Billy Campbell, Jennifer Connelly, Alan Arkin, Paul Sorvino, Terry O'Quinn, and Timothy Dalton

Episode 118 - THE LAND BEFORE TIME

In the 1980s, the partnership of famed animator Don Bluth and cinema wunderkind Steven Spielberg signaled an evolutionary change in the cartoon business. The Land Before Time was perhaps their most moving collaboration, presenting compassion and friendship as the best antidote to bleakness and despair.

Eric Wheeler of Text Before Calling joins us to recount the film's cataclysmic impact on his young mind and its memorable framing of the Darwinian struggle for survival. Whether you're a longneck, a threehorn, or a bigmouth, it's the perfect way to conclude our Jurassic June series, yep yep yep!

*Fun Fact: This episode is just about the exact length of the actual movie! Theoretically, one could press play on both simultaneously for some sort of weird commentary experience... We haven't tested it ourselves, but perhaps a dedicated listener can report back with the results!

The Land Before Time (1988)
Directed by Don Bluth
Produced by Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, John Pomeroy, Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas
Written by Stu Krieger
Starring Gabriel Damon, Candace Huston, Judith Barsi, Will Ryan, Helen Shaver, and Pat Hingle

Episode 99 - BATMAN FOREVER

Riddle me this, riddle me that, who's excited for more Batman chit-chat? Joel Schumacher's exuberant take on the Caped Crusader marks a crucial turning point for the character's onscreen legacy, in a film that dips the remnants of Tim Burton's moody vision in neon and scatters them across an exaggerated comic book fantasyland. As Batman Forever's title suggests, the ripple effects of its stylistic swerve would continue for decades to come.

The dynamic duo of Gensho Tasaka and Eric Wheeler joins us for a freewheeling free-for-all on this pivotal moment in Bat-history. Joygasm!

Batman Forever (1995)
Directed by Joel Schumacher
Produced by Tim Burton and Peter MacGregor-Scott
Written by Lee & Janet Scott Batchler and Akiva Goldsman
Based on characters created by Bob Kane
Starring Val Kilmer, Tommy Lee Jones, Jim Carrey, Nicole Kidman, Chris O'Donnell, Michael Gough, Pat Hingle, and Ed Begley Jr.

Check out all current episodes in our Batman series:
Batman
Batman Returns
Batman: Mask of the Phantasm
Batman Forever
Batman & Robin

Episode 81 - MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS: THE MOVIE

In a case of striking before the iron begins to rapidly cool off, Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie appeared in theaters during the summer of 1995, benefitting from nearly two years of groundwork laid by the television series. The movie's immediately apparent increase in production value, as well as the refreshing change of pace offered by its one-off villain with endless Borscht Belt-approved wisecracks, presented a stark contrast from the relatively dinky TV show. Not that this mattered in the long run, as one of the film's major plot points would be undermined in just a matter of months by a multi-episode arc presenting an alternate version of events.

The Power Rangers would soldier on--and they continue to endure in one form or another--but Mighty Morphin March must come to an end. Text Before Calling's Eric Wheeler teleports in to assist in our final salute to these variegated karate warriors and their robotic spirit animals.

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie (1995)
Directed by Bryan Spicer
Produced by Haim Saban, Shuki Levy, and Suzanne Todd
Written by Arne Olsen
Based on the TV series "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers"
Starring Karan Ashley, Johnny Yong Bosch, Steve Cardenas, Jason David Frank, Amy Jo Johnson, David Yost, Jason Narvy, Paul Schrier, Gabrielle Fitzpatrick, and Paul Freeman

Catch up on all Mighty Morphin March episodes:
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Part 1)
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers (Part 2)
Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Movie

Episode 75 - ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY

Following the lead of last year's panel discussion of The Force Awakens, WWWW strikes back with another all-star roundtable devoted to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, the latest silver screen tale to emerge from our favorite far, far away galaxy.

We're joined by our ragtag crew of Blythe Borders-Ashe, Daniel Borders-Ashe, and Eric Wheeler to debate the merits of this new frontier in franchise expansion. It's a lively back-and-forth on a surprisingly controversial film, with takes hotter than the sauna at Darth Vader's Mustafar castle. And though we may all be divided on Rogue One's successes and shortcomings, there is something that truly unites us: the Force is with us, and we are one with the Force.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
Directed by Gareth Edwards
Produced by Kathleen Kennedy, Allison Shearmur, and Simon Emanuel
Written by Chris Weitz and Tony Gilroy
Story by John Knoll and Gary Whitta
Based on characters created by George Lucas
Starring Felicity Jones, Diego Luna, Ben Mendelsohn, Donnie Yen, Jiang Wen, Mads Mikkelsen, Riz Ahmed, Alan Tudyk, and Forest Whitaker

Check out the rest of our series on the Star Wars saga:
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Episode IV: A New Hope
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Solo: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Star Wars: Clone Wars
Star Wars Holiday Special
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure

Episode 46 - STAR WARS: THE FORCE AWAKENS

We're finally comfortable admitting it: we are a little obsessed with Star Wars. The seventh chapter in the saga is a hit with critics and paying audiences, honoring the spirit of George Lucas' creation while starting to re-sculpt the franchise in the mold of modern movie "universes" and their ambitious ten-year plans.

It's time for some instant nostalgia as we team up with Text Before Calling co-hosts Eric Wheeler and Sean Fau-Burnitz, as well as previous podcast guests Brian Rudloff and Daren Sprawls, for an all-star panel discussion of The Force Awakens featuring our joys, sorrows, hopes, and fears for this brave new world of infinite Star Wars.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015)
Directed by J. J. Abrams
Produced by J. J. Abrams, Bryan Burk, and Kathleen Kennedy
Written by Lawrence Kasdan & J. J. Abrams and Michael Arndt
Based on characters created by George Lucas
Starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Daisy Ridley, John Boyega, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Lupita Nyong'o, Domhnall Gleeson, Andy Serkis, and Max von Sydow

Check out the rest of our series on the Star Wars saga:
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Episode IV: A New Hope
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Solo: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Star Wars: Clone Wars
Star Wars Holiday Special
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure

Episode 42 - GOLDENEYE

Our Bond blowout continues with the film that introduced Pierce Brosnan as 007... just in time for its 20th anniversary!

We try not to let fond memories of the classic Nintendo 64 game cloud our judgment as we discuss the pros and cons of the Bond formula with our brothers from another podcast, Eric Wheeler and Sean Fau-Burnitz.

GoldenEye (1995)
Directed by Martin Campbell
Produced by Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli
Written by Jeffrey Caine and Bruce Feirstein
Starring Pierce Brosnan, Sean Bean, Izabello Scorupco, Famke Janssen, Robbie Coltrane, Alan Cumming, and Judi Dench

Listen to our crossover with Text Before Calling
(start with the episode titled "Wasted Hotness")

Episode 26 - STAR WARS EPISODE III: REVENGE OF THE SITH

In many ways, the legacy of the Star Wars prequels is embedded within Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.  Is it the awesomely dark conclusion that many lauded in 2005 for bestowing a kind of amnesty upon its poorly-received predecessors?  Is it the crucial narrative piece that casts the entire Star Wars saga in a new light, vis à vis the Skywalker clan?  Or is it just more haphazardly-realized Bantha poodoo?

Prequels pundit Eric Wheeler and podcast songsmith Daren Sprawls join the show to help us answer these and many more questions as WWWW's Star Wars series continues apace.  Be sure to stay tuned until the end for a special musical treat!

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Written and directed by George Lucas
Produced by Rick McCallum
Starring Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Samuel L. Jackson, Jimmy Smits, and Ian McDiarmid

Check out the rest of our series on the Star Wars saga:
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Episode IV: A New Hope
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Solo: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Star Wars: Clone Wars
Star Wars Holiday Special
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure

Episode 18 - STAR WARS EPISODE II: ATTACK OF THE CLONES

"She hardly even recognized me, Jar Jar" complains a plaintive Anakin Skywalker early on in Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, perhaps echoing the disappointment the creators of The Phantom Menace must have felt regarding Star Wars partisans' tepid reaction to Episode I.  As such, this second prequel is crammed full of fan service-y tidbits and grace notes - sometimes interesting, sometimes awkward - meant to spark associations with the films of the original trilogy.

Yet though the effort to please is plainly visible onscreen, Attack of the Clones leaves most people cold.  Prequel whisperer Eric Wheeler returns as our special guest to help us unpack the glimmers of artistic ambition and the inevitable commercial retrenchment of Star Wars Episode II.

Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002)
Directed by George Lucas
Produced by Rick McCallum
Written by George Lucas and Jonathan Hales
Starring Hayden Christensen, Natalie Portman, Ewan McGregor, Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Lee, Temuera Morrison, and Ian McDiarmid

Check out the rest of our series on the Star Wars saga:
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Episode IV: A New Hope
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Solo: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Star Wars: Clone Wars
Star Wars Holiday Special
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure

Episode 10 - STAR WARS EPISODE I: THE PHANTOM MENACE

Where were you in '99?  If you were like us, you were on the Internet gobbling up every morsel of information and hearsay about the first installment of a new Star Wars saga, eagerly speculating how it would echo and expand upon the original trilogy.

It's safe to say that few were expecting what was in store for us: a weird mishmash of Jar Jar and Jake Lloyd, parliamentary motions and midi-chlorians.  But that's what makes The Phantom Menace a uniquely fascinating film.  It's one of the most idiosyncratic mega-blockbusters ever made, and perhaps the last massively commercial film that so deeply expressed a singular creative vision.

Our friend and fellow Lucasfilm obsessive Eric Wheeler joins our expansive discussion of Episode I, the first installment of a plan to cover all six Star Wars films before the series returns to theaters in 2015.  (We're scattering them over a whole year to avoid Force fatigue.)  The hour-plus episode is our longest and most absorbing conversation yet as we take our first steps into the mercurial mind of George Lucas.

Now this is podcasting!

Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999)
Written and directed by George Lucas
Produced by Rick McCallum
Starring Liam Neeson, Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ahmed Best, and Ian McDiarmid

Check out the rest of our series on the Star Wars saga:
Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Episode IV: A New Hope
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
Episode VII: The Force Awakens
Episode VIII: The Last Jedi

Solo: A Star Wars Story
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Star Wars: Clone Wars
Star Wars Holiday Special
Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire
Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure